An interview with Dr. Sley.
Dr. SLEY has been a major player in the modern reggae-rock field. Born in Buea, on September 20th in a town located on the eastern slopes of mount Cameroon. From a Christian family of 7. Dr sley is the 5th child of his parents. He joined the famous Acapella group known today as the angelic brothers at the age of 18. The group performed in almost all the schools around town during social events and other occasions in Buea. He loved singing at orphanages and always accompanied by his group. During their tours in his community Dr. Sley noticed the effects music had on people, that's how he took the decision of being a great artist. On like any normal family in Africa Dr. Sleys family supported him all the way. His father went on to pay his album recording fee with M1 studio, the first recording studio that ever existed in Buea, which was never released. Dr. Sley later formed a group called DA M THUGS which became one of the most popular groups in the English speaking regions of Cameroon. The group released an album called STREET REVOLUTION produced by street thugs studio.
Dr. Sley, who died at the age of 2 and came back to life some hours later, found out there was something special about him having a second chance in life, he decided to travel to Nigeria where he lived in the streets of Lagos, without shelter, food and water but his vision kept him going. Dr. Sley finally found love and was catered for, it gave him a new kind of inspiration and a new vision about life, which even affected his style of writing his lyrics as his messages became more powerful and inspirational. He came back to Cameroon two years later with his new track, fans and friends couldn't help but noticed the strength of the messages in his latest tracks. They now changed his name from Kingsley to Dr. Sley.
The reggae star has produced and inspired many Cameroonian including other people around the world. Dr Sley has released a number of mind blowing tracks like " victim of love"
"Teach me how to love"
Ghetto queen"
"Down by the river side"
And like they say: no job well done goes unrewarded. The artist has won a number of awards and recognition home and abroad.
He won best video at Cameroon urban music award, 2011.
Best male reggae artist Cameroon entertainment award USA, 2012.
Highest voted video at fair play 2012. Anti-corruption music competition organised by JMI and sponsored by world bank.
Best activist anthem at Honesty Oscar award 2014
Board of directors at dreams made real INC USA. . but it appears he likes to instill a positive message and vibe in his music/songs. I had a chance to talk with Dr. Sley despite his busy schedule, while on tour, about his thoughts and plans for reggae music. These are some few questions about his experience, career, goal and success.
Q?1. Tell us how you got into your love for reggae music?
Reggae music for a lot of people changed their life, and it's a positive uplifting music that really hits people. It's a spiritual, uplifting thing for people and that message and feeling hit me hard when I was 18. I formed an acapella group and we started singing in churches, schools or any public event...invited or not lol.
Q?2. Congrats on your debut album! What is your favorite song on your album and why?
Hmm! Scratching his head, " it is a very hard question to answer, because all of my songs are best, lol, hmm! I will say my Favorite song is “Why Can’t We Stop The Fighting” because it’s the right song at this time especially now that my Country Cameroon and other nations of the world are facing tough times with extremist and radical groups. This is causing a lot of tension in my nation.
Q?3. How did your musical career begin? When did you discover you could sing?
I would say I was born singing lol... You know, actually my mysterious journey started at my very tender age. At age 10 I was already performing in school. I took part in dancing and singing competition while I was still Nursery School. I discovered I could sing at age 4, there was this song by Bob Marley " is this love" although too young at that time, I could feel the vibes, a very deep and powerful impression inside of me
Q?4. Which of today's reggae artists are your biggest influences? What you like about them?
I like Bob Marley because he had a unique positive drive and he is so inspiring.
Q5. You sound more like lucky dupe, u might be his replacement, where do you gather inspiration for your lyrics?
What's your song writing process like?
Are serious! Do i really sound like lucky Dupe wow! or he is the few of reggae artist you know? Well from your angle I take it as a compliment. My Inspiration is a divine touched, that I mean God giventh.
Q6.. What genres do you find blend the best with reggae? Are there any world music genres that you would like to experiment with?
Soul music
Q?7. How popular is reggae music in Cameroon?
Africa is reggae, and Cameroon is reggae. Just give them the right reggae music and see their reaction.
Q?8.. If u could collaborate with any artist regardless of genre, who would it be? What kind of song would you have in mind?
Salatiel, Mr Leo, M.I., 2Face. You know music is a culture, a way of life. I will like a mixture of soul and reggae.
Q?9 where can your fans listen to your songs? When will you be on tour?
Listen and buy our music online on www.drsleyband.com and check our events to get our TOUR CALENDER.
1) Friday, July 24th , AFRIKA FESTIVAL Tübingen /Germany, www.afrikafestival.net
2) Tuesday, July 30est , CAFÉ FAUST - Stuttgart / Germany,
http://www.cafefaust.de/
3) Sunday, August, the 2nd , AFRIKA TAGE – Vienna / Austria,
http://www.afrika-tage.at
4) Saturday, August, the 8th , TROPEN TANGO, Lorch-Wollmerschied,
www.tropen-tango.com
5) Sunday, August, the 9th , AFRIKA TAGE – Düsseldorf / Germany,
www.afrikatage-düsseldorf.de
6) Saturday, August, the 15th , ROTOTOM SUNSPLASH - Spain
www.rototomsunsplash.com/de
Q?10. Is there anything else you would like people to know about you and your family, tribe... Love...siblings?
If there is anything someone wants to know about me, contact me from contact details on our website www.drsleyband.com
Q?11. What is your zodiac sign? Your favorite dish?
I am born on 20th September, i think i am a Virgo and I have no favorite dish. Any good meal can be favorite till next one hahahaha..... Yes man! I don't pick and choose food..
Q?12. What do you hope to accomplish throughout your career?
To be the next good reggae music band and World ambassador of PEACE.
Q13. How does your plans help to change the world?
POSITIVE music.... With messages of love, peace and hope.
Thanks for the interview. Do you have any final words.
Big hello to all the Rastaman and all my fans over the world and Cameroon in particular. I wish them good life and good vibes. May God bless you all... One love.. Peace. Vallycool Cool...singer/songwriter.. Promoter/marketer, business man.... Blogger????
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