He says his approach to Hip Hop is different, free from violence, and containing lots of drama. The Banker rapper, Alex Fakondo aka Lex Bubble, has at least 5 years left to pursue his dream which is putting Salone on the International level of music and possibly winning the MMA, BET Awards, Channel O, or better yet, a Grammy with the Green, White and Blue displayed and the High We Exhault Thee blaring. He is a graduate from Sub-Saharan Africa's first institution of higher learning and works in the Marketing Department at Union Trust Bank. Our own entertainment mastro, Ishmael Bayoh caught up with him for this exclusive interview.
Politico: Who is Alex Fakondo?
Lex Bubble: I'm Alex Fakondo II. I'm a graduate from Fourah Bay College where I read Politics and History and currently working in the Marketing Department of the Union Trust Bank. I am also a rapper by the name of Lex Bubble or Ghadafi or the Banker Rapper
Politico: Where did the Lex Bubble come from?
Lex Bubble: Bubble came from Bubbling hot with lyrical skills, making it big with the microphone. And as a business man I love my business to Bubble up. Ha-ha
Politico: And where did the Qathaffi name come from
Lex Bubble: Ghadafi was a Leader I personally admired. And his positive stance in developing his country [Libya]. Sometimes we fuss and fight about elections and have several transitions of different presidents but with little progress and success of developing the nation. But Ghadafi did it singlehandedly and elevated the standard of living. You rarely travel around the world and meet Libyans, why? Because their country had everything. So why find greener pastures when u have everything in your country? But that’s the West for you. They feed you with what they want you to believe.
Politico: You were silent in the rap game, why have you decided to give it a comeback?
Lex Bubble: Yeah...After college I got hired at UTB and I did not want to carry the image as an artist into my first career. After I had released my 1st album under Paradise Records, big up to my Big Bro Jimmy ‘B’, I decided to retire and concentrate on my newly found banking career. Down the line I recorded frequently just so I would not lose my touch. Then a couple of International artists came to Sierra Leone, like Beenie Man, who instantly connected with me upon our first meet. Also Ice Prince from Naija came and we kicked it. So then it started to fall in place, then I knew I had fans to satisfy and I had a Hobby I love to do – Hip Hop Music.
Politico: You started way back with artistes that are now popular can you name them
Lex Bubble: Mmmmmmm....Popular is a relative term. But I bigged up people in the game like Alonzo, Pupa Banja, Dry Eye Crew, ummm Shad rack-shady baby, Al Pachino, Savage Black.
Politico: What is in store for your fans
Lex Bubble: God has everything in store. I just execute them for him. Whatever he tells me to do I do. But all am doing is reppin Salone...
Politico: How has rap music enticed you to give it a final try
Lex Bubble: I know my product (Lex Bubble brand) is marketable, universal, and Sierra Leonean...Plus I feel my approach to Hip Hop is different, free from violence and drama...I have at least 5 years left to pursue my dream which is putting Salone on the International level of music and possibly winning an MMA, BET Awards, Channel O, or better yet, a Grammy with the Green White and Blue behind me.
Politico: What would make you a different rap artiste from the present ones?
Lex Bubble: I'm well educated, a father and a true Sierra Leonean who condemns violence through music or any other form. Basically I'm a role model to a lot of people, and I would hate to tarnish such impeccable character.
Politico: You are a graduate from Fourah Bay College, what did you read
Lex Bubble: Like I said earlier, I studied Politics and History for my first degree, and I have a certificate of Adult Education. So you see I'm a professional even on the mic, cuz I can teach people. Adults and kids alike.
Politico: The Banker Rapper, when you are on stage do you do it in a corporate style?
Lex Bubble: Yeah, my fans are from AWOL//all works of life. So when I'm on stage I big up the corporate world, and let them know that an artist is not always a drop out, so you can call me the Banker/Rapper with a college degree...So I urge my fans to open an account with the UTB and be a part of Sierra Leonean development.
Politico: You were splendid during the stadium and Ma Deng shows
Lex Bubble: Oh yes! At the stadium I performed at the Afro Beats festival in which Ice Prince was the main attraction, and I co MC'd the Ma Dengn show with Ellen Keister my sis, and performed later in which I gave an explosive performance.
Politico: You, Mr. B and Shadow Boxer are collaborating, why this group
Lex Bubble: Wow. These are my boys you just mentioned. Tight Mc’s, lyrically decisive and focused guys...We're doing a mix tape so expect that this year. Ghadafi, [that's myself] approved this...
Politico: Do you have a group name like Black Leo or Red Flag Movement?
Lex Bubble: Nah...I believe my lyrics are like a billion people, so I’ve not been a lover of having cliques, or movements, or gangs, cuz my lyrical delivery is stronger than some battalions the typical rapper would move around with. Besides, when a rapper has mad skills, battalions of people are irrelevant.
Politico: What do you make of this gang-related rap groups
Lex Bubble: They can do them, but Ghadafi does not. And that’s just being positive with my music
Politico: What is your assessment of the L.A.J beach fiasco?
Lex Bubble: I don’t really want to say anything on that issue cuz it's still under state investigation and the Police will come out with a comprehensive report about the truth. On the Flip side of things, I don’t condone violence, especially when lives get lost.
Politico: I believe you were close friends with Kao Denero, how is that going?
Lex Bubble: Me and Kao spoke like late last year. We're not friends though, but we speak when we meet or through his manager J-rule.
Politico: Can you say something about the corporate bash at Old Skool
Lex Bubble: Oh yeah. After a hard and stressful week in the office, come to Lex Bubble’s Cooperate Bash at the Ol Skool night club every Friday night. New management, new Bubbly things, so don’t miss it, the first 50 ladies get in free...ain't that sweet? Ha-ha see u all there, Ol Skool the place to be
Politico: The Banker rapper aka Ghadaffi, thanks for speaking to Politico
Lex Bubble: Any time Politico...you know where to find Ghadafi. You are always welcome to Tripoli [Hill Station in Freetown]
Interview with Mr B
He has been credited for popularizing hip hop music in Sierra Leone at his Free Radio Station which hosts the popular “Hip Hop Explosion” programme. Basseem Ayyoub other wise known as Mr. B speaks to Politico in an exclusive interview where he cleared up several issues relating to his relationship with the DJs, his likes for playing beef and hip songs and his general perception about rappers. Get a crush!
Politico: Who is Mr. B?
Mr. B: Mr. B is probably the best thing that ever happened in Salone entertainment industry, not to mention the radio land.
Politico: You are a D.J, how did that come about
Mr. B: I never intended to become a DJ, and I still don’t see myself as one. I am just an entertainer who has a passion for music since at young age.
Politico: And you also rap, was it in your mind to become a rap star?
Mr. B: Haha…If you knew me from back in the days at a young age, I always listened to rap music, and I used to imitate rappers. I would just like to say that I have a talent for writing music and a gift from God with my skills…
Politico: Why did your station choose Hip Jop Explosion
Mr. B: I remember when we first opened Free Radio Station and organised the programmes, I asked the listeners to suggest a name for the hip hop show and someone came up with the name “Hip Hop Explosion”, which now is a household programme on every Wednesday at 9pm at every youth's house. The rest is history.
Politico: Because your hip hop explosion plays exclusively rap hits,you have been blamed for creating chaos among rap artistes in the country especially lately. What is your reaction to that?
Mr. B: I haven’t and never will cause chaos amongst artists here. And it’s the artists themselves that create all this chaos, yet they always would want to point finger at me and blame it on me. I just play hits and always want to be on top of my game. Now the ones that would want to blame me, it’s just because they are not getting the attention needed from me.
Politico: Why are you fond of playing beef songs, what is the beauty of it
Mr. B: The one-million dollar question. Ha ha ha. Basically I host one of the biggest if not the only hip hop show in Sierra Leone – The Exclusive Hip Hop Explosion. This involves playing Rap/Hip-hop music. This game sometimes involves beefing – internationally or locally. The beauty of it is that it spices up the show and it’s good for the artists as well if they want to make their name in the hip hop game and every listener enjoys it; as long as it’s lyrical and not physical.
Politico: You are definitely not at peace with some D.J’s especially the newly formed DJ’s Association, what is the crux of it, where did it all start?
Mr. B: Lets rephrase that ‘’They are the ones who are not at peace with me”. I never had a problem with no one and I still don’t. But I don’t really care whether I am loved or hated. I still do my thing and people still appreciate and show the love I need. It’s the people that keep me moving, not the Association.
Politico: They say you play hate songs and also that you are killing the music industry
Mr. B: What hate songs? That’s what I don’t understand. Do I play music that says 'go kill this or that'? No I don’t. I play hip hop music and that’s it. And the number of people that tune in every Wednesday shows that we LOVE this music and does not involve any hate. Killing the music industry? As far as I can remember, Free Radio is the station that brought back hip hop in this country to life. I can go on and on about this but it will take 3 pages of your newspaper to publish.
Politico: In your own opinion, what is the rap music industry like in Sierra Leone
Mr. B: I seriously think we do have the talent but it saddens me when our artists just want to focus on who wants to be number one in Sierra Leone rather than push our talent internationally to reach even other continents. That way you can boast that you are number one in Sierra Leone.
Politico: And you have started to perform on stage, how is it like
Mr. B: I like the stage presence. I used to do that since my days at the Lebanese International School where they used to call me to play the keyboard or the Tabla (Arabic drum) for students who wanted to sing or perform. So I am used to it. I just don’t do it a lot, but when I do, like at the Afro beats Festival, if you were there, you surely know how I do it.
Politico: People see you and the DJ’s President as rivals in terms of playing rap music what is different between you and him.
Mr. B: Oh my God! There is no comparison between us. This is like saying Sir Alex Fergusson’s 12 titles (me) against a division 4 manager who is just coming up. I would like to say that dude is a copycat. Trying to yell over tracks which everyone knows I did that first, trying to freestyle which he can't and seriously can never match up to the exclusive tracks I play every week on my show. Besides, he even tried to copy the name of my show using the word Explosion…C’mon, be original.
Politico: What’s your assessment of rap music and who is (or are) your best hip hop artiste(s)?
Mr. B: I love rap music. I love rapping. I just love music in general. To my assessment, I always see it as a 100% music genre. It's growing and I hope one day Sierra Leone will be put on the map. My favourite artist as in internationally, I would say a lot. But locally, I will have to say Shadow Boxer, Kao, Supa Laj, Blakka P, Try Stevens, Souferior, YOK, Star Zee, Jay Terror, Fad Fo, Lex B to name a few.
Politico: How do you feel that you were attacked by some DJs because of your race and colour, how was that felt by you?
Mr. B: Well I was attacked verbally and not physically, and I wouldn’t want to go into details about that But I felt like they were trying to intimidate me, which they never succeeded in doing and never will. However, these guys really disappointed me as I knew some of them and never expected that from them. But as they say, let bygones be bygones.
Politico: What is your prediction for Salone hip hop
Mr. B: Salone hip hop is okay. I say so because these days everybody wants to rap and not everyone can, so some give it the bad taste while some spice it up. So I hope we will always get the better taste of what Salone hip hop should be like.
