- Words Louis Rabinowitz
Pa Salieu has released a moving documentary in which the Gambian singer returns home.
Pa Salieu has made his name on a host of artistic pursuits. Recently, he’s been soaking in the well-earned praise of his countrywide tour promoting his EP ‘Afrikan Rebel’, in which he has connected with talent across the African diaspora and made his name as a live act to remember.
Now, Salieu has turned his eye towards the cultural concerns which fuelled his successful EP, and has jumped to a new artistic form, the documentary. In The Return of an Afrikan Rebel, directed by Tayo Yussef, Pa Salieu returns to Gambia for the first time since he was seven years old, reconnecting with a childhood spent amongst loving family that formed the foundations of his musical career. It’s created in concert with SoundCloud, who have helped make Salieu’s name as an artist.
On the documentary, Salieu says, ““I will forever be grateful to my SoundCloud family for helping make this trip happen. For reasons beyond my control, I’ve been unable to return to The Gambia since I came back to the UK as a child,” says Pa Salieu. “This trip provided a chance to reconnect with family I haven’t seen for years, visit the burial site of my grandparents for the first time, collaborate with incredible local talent and perform in front of over 30,000 people. A moment I will never ever forget. I’m so proud of my country and culture and hope this film gives a small insight into the beauty and soul of The Gambia.”