Photo Diary: I-Octane In Gambia

May 20, 2015

Words by I-Octane
Photos by Kevin Allen

Dancehall star I-Octane recently visited Gambia, for his first-ever dates on the African continent. Initially booked for a single show at the National Stadium in the capital of Banjul, he stayed on for an extra four days to perform an unplanned, free show in the nearby city of Serrekunda. While in the West African nation he also filmed a video for his single “Rich Rich Rich” and recorded “Fire Dancer,” a collaboration with Gambian singer T Smallz (with whom he shared the stage in Banjul) that we’ll be premiering here on LargeUp next month. Follow Octane’s journey below.

This was my first trip to Africa. I was looking forward to experiencing it for myself because I’ve always heard people talk about going back to their roots. My only knowledge of it was what I saw on TV, in books and what I’d hear, but I wanted to have my own experience. It was finally my time.

It was a blessing to start with Gambia. I found it to be a lot like Jamaica. It was a spiritual elevation that has heightened my sense of purpose. The way I was embraced there, I feel Gambia will always be a part of me. I have to big up T. Smallz and the Katato team— A dem seh, Conquer the Globe! I’m hoping to go to other countries soon, places like Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Kenya. Our team is working towards doing a tour of the full continent in the near future.

After a four-hour flight from Jamaica to NY, a long but luxurious seven-hour flight from NY to Morocco (Big up the Air Maroc staff) and a 17-hour layover there, this was the bus ride to the last flight to Gambia. You can't tell from the picture but I really was excited at this point. Give thanks.

3 am Gambia time, and we finally reach. Linked with my bredda T. Smallz and the energy was correck from the moment he blessed us with a staff from Ethiopia. Did some quick interviews and officially began the Gambia journey.

Just reached Gambia and settled into the hotel. Decided to play a game of draughts and hol' a vibe and relax.

One of the soldiers who was to escort us kinda chilled with us because we realized the the heart of the people were so clean that we didn't need that kind of protection.

Motorcade all day but I had to come out of the vehicle and link with my fans in a real way. No fear. Just love and respect for these people who I am now forever connected with through the power of the music.

Late night conversations with my manager Paul [Parris] and DJ, Dev [Kutta], inspired by arriving in Gambia. I'm so moved by the connection to the people and the place that I'm determined more than ever to keep the momentum going. I truly understand that music transcends all borders. Tired but mi haffi keep pushing.

Africa is a beautiful place but the struggle with the wifi was real! Haffi keep the link with the people back home because the work continues. Had a few moments of frustration when I couldn't get a signal but it worked out.

Keeping my swag up in my Gambian fashion. It was my first time wearing anything like this, but I like it. Gonna take home a few and work it into my wardrobe. Hot Ras Gambia Edition. This is the same night mi and T. Smallz recorded "Fire Dancer".

Night life in Gambia. The location is different but the spirit is real. Getting ready to take the stage and I'm excited because I can already tell by the vibe that tonight is going to be epic. Showtime.

In all my years of performing, I've never experienced energy like this. It was a whole other level. People rushing onto the stage, singing like their life depended on it, knowing songs from the early part if my career...they motivated me to give them my best. I was on the stage but I became the fan. Truly humbled.

It wasn't all work. Finally got the chance to relax on the beach with Paul and Dev. We worked hard and this was a great reward. Jamaica isn't the only place with nice beaches. As island people, we connect with water differently. It was like being home but conscious that I'm thousands of miles away. Kinda like music, connecting us, pulsing through our bodies, sustaining us through life.