Med TuTu's Show Photos

One of Sierra Leone’s new musical artists and song writer, USA based “Tutu” is on the verge of storming Freetown with his new and first album yet to shine into the spotlight of the Sierra Leonean people. His show here in the USA was one of the most successful of all time, and I’ve decided to let the people of Freetown, and Sierra Leone as a whole, to get a piece of the flavor. In his premier album, titled “J.C. Wahala,” Med TuTu sends a strong message to the people of Sierra Leone. Buying a copy of his remarkable album will teach you a lot of lessons. Speaking to Sierra Express’ CEO, Adeyemi Paul, in an exclusive interview, Med TuTu, expressed a little background about himself, spoke of his fans, the musical industry, Pupa Baja, and much more. Read below, the informative and interesting interview of Med Tutu, in his own words!

SEM:                Mohamed Kamara is your real name, how did you become so popularly known as Med Tutu?

 

MT:                  Well, I got the name “MED” from my name Mohamed, and “Tutu,” I got from my elder sister, Adiatu, who I used to live with, commonly known as Tutu.  And whenever people want to identify me, they just say, Mohamed 4 TUTU… So, when I grow up a little older, I decided to name myself, “Med Tutu” because I like the way it flows... Med Tutu.

 

 

SEM:                How did you get into music, and why did you choose this present time when there are a gazillion other artists struggling for success in the business today?

 

MT:                  Since growing up as a teenager, I always have had the talent in me of composing songs, especially when in a football camp, but I never got the opportunity to execute my hidden talent, not until 2005 when I visited SaLone and realized this is the right time to do something, because I’m now a little self handy and moreover, when I listen to some SaLone music it motivated me, and I was like, yeah, it’s about time for me to utilize that undisputable talent of mine. I think this is the time, and the right time indeed, and I’m going to do it. I just can’t wait.

 

 

SEM:                Why did you name your premier album “J C Wahala?”

 

MT:                   Well, the word J.C, as we all know is, “Just Come,” and the word “Wahala” of cause means “Trouble,” - and I’m beginning to think  about the negative impact this word “JC is causing to some of us coming from abroad today. The impact of cause is “wahala.”  I was at the beach one afternoon, thinking of these two words. JC, and Wahala, put these two words together, J.C. Wahala, don bring nabara, J.C. Wahala don bring wahala.. So I just decided to add a strong message in my song, especially for some of the young girls who think that by having a JC your problems are over. Wrong! Na jes nabara n wahala u jes dae put pan u sef.

 

 

SEM:                Who is the producer and manager behind this beautiful album, “J C Wahala?”

 

MT:                  The producers of this album are myself, “Med Tutu,” and a guy by the name of David, of Chase Records.  My manager is, Bhai D Sesay of SaLoneplace.com

 

 

SEM:                Your beat is a kind of different style, in our last telephone conversation, you mentioned a “mango bite style of music?”  This is interesting, where does that phrase come from?

 

MT:                   Like I said on the phone, my style of beat is really different, of course you yourself, and everyone else can feel it. Just like the fruit “mango,” when U bite a ripe one it quenches your thirst, but you always want to bite more. That’s just exactly the same as my beat and song. Whenever, you hear it, you feel it, and whenever you feel it, it makes you just dance, dance, and you just can’t stop. Who feels it knows it.

 

 

SEM:                We’ve watched big name shows here in the USA, such as, Emmerson, Pupa Baja, Vick Fornah, Manzo, etc.  How did your first show ever, become the talk of the day, and the most successful of all time, in the Sierra Leonean community here in the USA?

 

MT:                  “Well, well, well, that’s one of the questions I have been asked over and over and again, and I just don’t know what to say to people. I just don’t know! But I believe that in this world you need a unique style to stand out and be seen. You have to come up with something original, as well as have the personality to be able to deal with the crowd; you have to be a people person, remain humble and charismatic, and be kind to one and all.  Politeness and respect are paramount.

 

I think I surprised people because I came out with an incredible composition of lyrics with a strong message for SaLone people, at home and abroad, exploded onto the scene, and made an album which shocked people and I think that’s why people appreciate me and the whole album for the first time.

 

 

SEM:                Who do you admire the most amongst the Sierra Leonean musical artists, and why?

 

MT:                   I admire Pupa Baja, I must confess.  In 2005 when I visited Sierra Leone, stormed the club Paddy’s, where I heard and fell in love with one of his hit songs, “Angel my Love.” It was a shock to me as I didn’t think SL music had got to that point, in my own opinion; it was different and had an international feel to it. I got to meet the man himself, General Pupa Baja, who I found to be a very nice person, he has no airs and graces, he is humble, treats everyone as equal, accepts people for who they are, and it is for that regard I admire him a lot.

 

 

SEM:                In your opinion, what are some of the problems affecting the Sierra Leone musical industry?

 

MT:                  Well I think if the government can enforce some laws that will stop the piracy of music that will be of a help to the artists.

 

            Secondly, I am encouraging the government to make provisions for a music school that will give direction to talented artists, enabling them to get some primary skills such as voice building, and playing musical instruments etc. 

 

And thirdly, if we SaLone artists can stop beefing one another, and work alongside each other supportively, and encourage the DJs to focus on SaLone music a little more than international music, in order to help the Sierra Leone musical industry reach its potential.

 

 

SEM:                What other ventures are you into besides music?

 

MT:                  Business of course (hahahaha …) buying and selling designer clothes, and other stuff.

 

 

SEM:                If you can recall, back in the days as a young boy growing up, what were the best and worst moments in your life?

 

MT:                   One of the worst moments I can recall, as a young boy, was at a time when we rented a house from one of Mum’s friends, and my Mum and her friend had some kind of misunderstanding – that day I went to school, came home and found all our possessions outside the door, I cried and cried because we had nowhere to go, but we left anyway - this is one thing I will never forget.  However, these experiences made me feel the need to be strong in life, to work hard to enable me to own property and have my own stuff. 

 

            One of my unforgettable best moment, was when I obtained a visa to the USA.  This was one of best moments, I was a happy man, and was crying like a baby with tears of joy.

 

SEM:                How has being a celebrity changed your life?

 

MT:                   Being a celebrity has changed my life in so many ways, such as making me more aware of my actions and the way they can be  interpreted.  There are places I can now go, and places I can’t.  I am not trying to eliminate people out of my life or differentiate myself with others, but I have to be more conscious and aware about security of myself and others around me.

 

SEM:                Can you kindly tell us a little bit of what we don’t know about Med Tutu?

 

MT:                  I am a peaceful citizen of Sierra Leone, born in Freetown, and grew up in Kono.  I am a man who respects all life, young and old, black or white; I love nature in any shape or form, and I am a God-fearing person.

 

 

SEM:                What plans do you have for 2008, do you have any upcoming concerts or tour dates scheduled?

 

MT:                  I have lots of plans for 2008!  The first and most important plan I have, is to launch my album in Sierra Leone sometime in April this year.  After the launching I will be heading back to do more tours in the USA, and Canada.  There are a lot more plans for Europe and elsewhere, but that all depends on my management to give me a heads up!

 

 

SEM:                What message do you have for your supportive fans and your colleagues in the music industry?

 

MT:                   First I would like to thank God for making this possible, because with God all things are possible.  I would also extend my sincere gratitude to my wonderful and supportive fans; I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support.  And I promise to storm each and every Sierra Leonean community to pass on my strong messages to them as music is my only way to show my appreciation for the country I love, Sierra Leone!

 

I want to encourage all Sierra Leonean artists to keep the faith, to work collectively, and in peace, love, and harmony, in order to bring Salone music to a higher level.

Watch a Video Clip from the USA Show