Gambian-British artist Pa Salieu, 24, is taking over the UK music scene. Pa Salieu released his hit track ‘Frontline’ in 2020 that put him on the charts garnering a following and putting people from all over the world onto his music.
Pa Salieu was born in the UK but was sent to The Gambia to live with his relatives because it would be less of a burden on his mother who was also struggling to make a living. He said this changed his image on life and made him appreciate his culture more.
Salieu was raised by his grandparents whom he added provided a lot of wisdom that was much needed for him in his journey towards music and life.
He came back to the UK at the age of eight or nine and only until he turned 18 did he start making music.
He had a Gambian accent that he told Vice was something he often got bullied for but he stayed strong and he had lot of pride about his hometown. ‘I’ve been proud of this accent. This is who I am. My dark skin, this is who I am’
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Pa Salieu said he appreciated a lot of artists that put Afro beats on the map in the UK and other black artists like Slowthai, Sneakbo, Nines, Ghetts, Aitch and KG from Nottingham.
He survived 16 gunshot wounds to his head in a shooting in 2020 that left him hospitalised. He posted on Instagram saying that he left the hospital more determined than ever that he had been given a second chance at life.
The Gambian artist added that his mother deserved goodness in this life and that her 22 years of sacrifice and consistent stress can’t be for no reason.
As an artist, Pa Salieu feels he is the voice of Africa and his ancestors who speak to him through his music. His is the journey of an ‘African Rebel’.
He wants his music to showcase his culture and his past in The Gambia.
Source: Vice