15 October, 2008
Veronica Henry, USA
MyAfricanDiaspora.com
Daddy
Saj - Sierra Leone's Lyrical Warrior Comes to America
The Influence of hip hop is undeniable. From its roots in NY to the sunny skies of the west coast, its
impact on music around the world can be felt. A particularly unique crop of artists from the continent
of Africa have emerged. These rappers are able to infuse their own culture into the art form, producing
a culturally distinct sound.
Sierra Leone has produced its own rap hero – known to his fans as Daddy Saj. Daddy
Saj, born Joseph Gerald Adolphus Cole in Freetown, Sierra Leone, mixes rap with traditional gombay, mostly in his native Krio,
but also in English. His message is one of social/political justice and the need for change. Saj
was a talented singer in the church choir, but still listened to rap music as the industry in the small country at the time
was mostly relegated to foreign music.
His life changed when war broke out in 1991.
Saj, along with a few friends managed to escape to a refugee camp in Conakry, Guinea. He
would spend two years in the camp, but during his stay, found music to be a solace not only for himself, but for the other
members of the camp. “Everybody wanted someone to speak for them,” Saj recalls. “They
wanted their voices to be heard.” At the camp in Conakry, Saj worked with fellow musicians from other
parts of West Africa, including Senegal and the Ivory Coast.
After returning to Freetown, Saj encountered producer Jimmy B. (Jimmy Bangura). Jimmy wanted to help the young rapper and
recognized the need for a studio, a place in his hometown to actually create music, so he launched Paradise Family Records.
Saj recorded his first album there, yielding the hit Congratulations. Paradise records continued to grow
and having so many artists, meant less individual attention. Saj decided to launch his own record label,
Daddy Saj Opinion Group and released Corruption in 2003. One of the biggest hits from the album was the
song, “Corruption E Do So,” meaning Corruption, Enough is Enough, in Krio.
Other
albums include Densay, Densay (Rumors, Rumors), Faya 4 Faya (Fire 4 Fire) and 2007's, Vote for DSAJ. In
this case, DSAJ is an acronym meaning: Democratic Solution for all Jambo.
Seeking
to expand on his brand and frustration over incorrect claims of election fraud, Daddy Saj moved to the US. He
will soon be relocating to Brooklyn, NY, near his friend and fellow Sierra Leonean, Ishmael Beah – the award winning
author of “A Long Way Gone.” In addition to music, he will be focusing on his education. His
studies will include economics and politics.
Rebranding himself as Diamond Saj, new music is on the way from the Lyrical Warrior. Look for a new release
in November. The afro-hip hop single, “All Eyes on You” will be more of a party song, also
featuring more English.
Though Saj recognizes the need to be in America to help further his
career, he still misses home. “I miss my family most,” he says. “Especially
my son.” But the star never stays away from home for long. The success and education
he obtains here in the US will all be for the betterment of Sierra Leone, as lack of education is primarily responsible for
poverty in the country. “There is so much opportunity in America. If you're
serious and know your goals, you can make it."
For more information, visit DSaj at: www.diamondsaj.com
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