By Ishmael Bayoh
Many people came to know him after releasing a diss track on Kao Denero titled: Seize En Mic. Apart from that, not much is known about Shadow Boxxer in the burgeoning music industry of Sierra Leone. Many entertainment pundits have described him as the only Sierra Leonean rapper that will remove the crown of ‘King of Freetown’ from the head of Kao Denero. But Shadow’s interest back home is minimal, despite having the knack and lyrics to break grounds. In this interview with Politico’s Ishmael Bayoh, it seems his WAF ENT group is gearing up now as they have just exposed the much talked about R&B group in town called 441.
Politico: What is your full name?
Shadow: Algassimu Sahid Jarr Jr.
Politico: Why are you called Shadow Boxxer?
Shadow: I called myself Shadow because I adored and admired the work of Treach (Naughty By Nature) to the point where as a young boy I wanted to be him. As I got older, I realised I couldn’t succeed in the game rapping like another MC so I had to create my own style. So I figured if I couldn’t be him, I would be his Shadow. And the Boxxer (two x’s by the way) came from my cousin Biggie Joe (WAF Ent) calling me “Shadow Boxxer” all da time…and it just stuck…hence “SHADOW BOXXER”
Politico: You seem not to be well known in Sierra Leone. Am I right?
Shadow: I am not too sure about my popularity in Sierra Leone. I left in 94, went back in 08 to visit family for a month. I haven’t launched an album, released a video, or did any shows at all. So I am grateful for the few fans I have without even much to gain ‘em. All that is about to change though.
Politico: You do rap music, why?
Shadow: I was born to do this. At a very young age I heard a song by KRS One called “My Philosophy” and right then and there I knew I could do what he was doing probably better than any human. But most importantly and sometimes overlooked by most…I SIMPLY JUST LOVE TO RAP!
Politico: You rap differently, using the fast flow, why?
Shadow: It depends. I can rap as fast as Twista or as slow as Young Jeezy. It’s just something I can do. So depending on the beat, the aura, the atmosphere…the language that the instruments or drums speak to me, I reply back to it accordingly. What you hear in my songs, in addition to me reaching my audience or making a connection with you through my lyrics, I am also having a conversation with the music itself.
Politico: You have not been back and forth as the other rap artistes would, any reason for that?
Shadow: I am on an international quest. Not saying I couldn’t do it simultaneously, but that is something I am only realizing now. Also my art form has no cap or ceiling as to the demographic of people that would receive and enjoy it whereas most of my brothers/sisters do. I will visit very soon.
Politico: You have a group named WAF how was it formed?
Shadow: W.A.F (West African Family) was created in the 90’s by Jay Bo, myself and a few other friends that shared the same dream at the time. Due to certain circumstances that I wouldn’t get into, most of its members found ourselves deterred or, even at some points in time, giving up on pursuing our rap careers. In the 2000s, we re-dedicated ourselves to say the least and added a few new members like Flame Diggi and Blakka P. Our latest addition is 441, a group of talented brothers that I admire a lot. WAF Ent is the label and we welcome all artistes with a drive, unmatched work ethics; and last but not least, a gift to create music that cannot be mirrored.
Politico: Your name was mentioned in a controversy between Supa Laj and Kao Denero, what actually went wrong because we heard beef songs afterwards?
Shadow: Not going to touch on this subject. It is what it is.
Politico: You were accused of beefing Kao and Supa Laj, so that you would be known in Sierra Leone. Is that case?
Shadow: Only a fool would believe that. But if you want more on this subject read my last answer.
Politico: ‘Seize Em Mic’ was for Kao, have you done that?
Shadow: Again, not going to touch on this. It’s like chess or draught, ah don move me seed, nah foul if ah move back wae dem nor move.
Politico: How do you intend to popularize your tracks in Sierra Leone?
Shadow: I don’t! You will. You as in the people and the fans. I am going to create the music, not geared towards a specific demographic or people but once heard and felt, like all music lovers they will share willingly. A new album/mixtape is soon to be released. Look out for it.
Politico: I heard you did a collabo with Edris Elba?
Shadow: Yes on a song called “Hold On”, produced by Grammy award winning producer, 9th wonder. It was a blessing. Idris is a very good friend of mine that respects and admires my work like I do respect his. Have more music soon to be released featuring Idris Elba and a few others.
Politico: Why is it that Sierra Leonean rappers always get at each other rather than collaborating?
Shadow: I am not sure why. I have been rapping for a very long time. Never have I gone at anyone or anyone come at me, until recently. So I am unfamiliar with that. Nothing but love and respect from my angle.
Politico: What do you make of the recent peace moves made by certain people between LAJ and Kao and do you think there is the need for similar extension between you and Kao?
Shadow: I am happy for them. Unity is always a good path to take. Really should be the only path but you already know that that would only be in a perfect world. There is no peace to be made. All is how it was. We never spoke before other than a courteous hello when we saw each other in public or social media. If that ain’t happening anymore I think I can live with that. Shout out to all Black Leo members and fans. It’s all love here. Shout out Boss LAJ/RFM, Tetteh and the rest of the Cathouse family.
Politico: What’s the future for Salone Hip Hop artiste?
Shadow: You are looking at him. I am the future. Not just for Salone hip hop. But for Hip Hop. I have just begun. It took me this long to tap into my true capabilities. But like we say, all man get een time…or God’s time is the best. My time is upon us. I will make my country proud. Like my Alhaji Algassimu S. Jarr Sr. told me at a very young age. He said…”You are NOT American. You had a geographical advantage of being born in the U.S but you are Sierra Leonean/African to the core.” I know who I am. The world is about to find that out pretty soon. Shout out to all Salone artistes striving for the same. Let’s fight to be original. Look within you…it’s in there…just look deeper. Do not fear what others may think of you. Become what you are supposed to become. Be fearless and daring. Only then you would be in touch with the god in you. Make no mistake about this my people. I am a god at what I do. I am the future.
Thanks to Politico/Ishmael Bayoh for reaching out and doing this interview. Shout out WAF Ent. And last but not the least to all the Shadow Boxxer fans in Salone and all over. Thanks for your support.
