Jali Madi Kanuteh

Born on 25 May 1983 in Latrikunda German, in The Gambia, Jali Madi Kanuteh is a popular Afromanding artist who was raised in a griot family. His father Saikou Kanuteh and mother Sainabou Tunkara were members were members of Gambia National Troupe. Saikou was a head while Sainabou was a dancer. Jali began his musical career in 1999 with a rap group called Askan Bi. He left the group and went solo. He established a band called Jalimadi and the Holy Family Band. The ensemble came to be best known in Gambia for its hit ‘Bul Falleh Nyee’ in 2012. The band is made of self-taught musicians. They have performed and collaborated with all the most renowned musicians in Gambia.

Jalimadi and the Holy Family Band use a lot of western influences in their music. In 2000, he released a maiden single titled ‘Mam Jarra’ in 2000. In 2001, he released another second single called ‘Allah la Kay’. In 2013, he signed to Joluv Arts Entertainment to promote the release of his nine-debut album titled ‘Gambia’ (released in 2014). Some of his popular songs include ‘Jarabi’, ‘Alalakay’, ‘Dunya’ and ‘Serigne Touba’. Besides music, he is C.E.O. of Jali Foundation, organizations that annually holds charity concerts and donate proceeds to vulnerable children in The Gambia.