Bakayoko Mediofo: Music soothes the soul

15 March 2016

00:00

By Lekan Olujinmi

Bakayoko Mediofo, A.K.A, Back Medio is a Reggae singer, songwriter from Ivory Coast. He began his career in 1981 as vocalist with an orchestra directed by the legendary Andre Meyan.

His first album ‘Marital Issues’ (Problèmes Conjugaux) released in 1994 propelled him to the forefront of the musical scene in his country and Africa. Due to censorship of his politically engaged third album (Identity Crisis), Back Medio fled his native country to find a safe haven in England in order to continue to pursue his musical career.

With his 4th Album entitled TERE (the SUN) in Bambara, due to be released by studio STILNESS with the help of producer Pablo Paratchino, Back Medio has come of age by drawing inspiration from UB40, Bob Marley and Burning Spear whose lyrics and songs have had a huge positive effect on his song writing style. Medio’s new Album is an upbeat Reggae sound with lyrics centred on the thought of people living together in harmony.

Looking to the future, Back Medio hopes to become a well-known and respected artist in England, Europe and the world.

Bakayoko Mediofo

What you have been doing in England over the years of being a noted African star?

Well! To cut a long story short, I sought asylum in the UK since 2002 right after the release of my third album (Identity Crisis). Because I became the target of a fringe of the army and politicians who did not like my message. Unfortunately, if any of you have followed the news concerning Ivory Coast, the very issues I was talking about resulted in a 10-year civil war.

I have tried at best to play my music since I have been here, and now I am working on my fourth album.

What keeps you inspired to continue within the music industry?

Music is simply able to soothe the soul. If you listen to music and understand the mesage, you will not hurt a fly.

Can you see yourself crossing over and becoming a worldwide artiste?

Of course, if you listen to my song Rasta Bongoman, you’ll realise that I should have crossed over many years ago.

Who would you most like to work with musically?

My Idol - Burning Spear.

Please can you name some of the projects you are currently working on?

Like I said earlier, I am now promoting my fourth album, TERE (the SUN) in Bambara.

I am also working on a compilation with some reggae big hitters. It is due out in early 2016.

How do you see the African music industry improving on the world market?

I think it is all about promotion and hard work and most of all, the proper redistribution of royalties.

Bakayoko Mediofo

Did you always have the full support of your family when you said you wanted to be in the music business?

My father who was an army Colonel (May his soul rest in peace), never wanted me in music, but when I sold 450,000 copies in six months, he changed his mind (laughs).

What do you consider your best song and album to date that everyone can remember?

My first album (Problèmes Conjugaux or Marital Issues) spoke about our daily life as humans. People enjoyed it.

It is really up to the fans, but I think they will love TERE because it is more mature. My producer did a tremendous job.

What do you consider to be your main passions in life?

I am all about music.

What would you be doing if you were not in the music industry?

This is what I have always wanted to be.

What is the one thing your life experiences have taught you while working in the music industry that you would like to teach to the next generation?

The industry is full of sharks. I did not see the money I made from my first album. So, I would say to anyone who wants to get into music to open their eyes and be professional.

What did you love most about life when you were growing up and where did you grow up?

I grew up in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Very early on, I sang in youth orchestras

If you had the chance to do things all again in life, what if anything, would you do differently?

Of course, play my music and learn the management side of the art.

What is the message that your music is trying to communicate to your fans worldwide?

The one message that I try to convey is that your enemy is not your fellow human being. Our true enemy is ignorance. It is ignorance that brings about hate of the unknown. We should all try to understand diversity.

What great African song of another artiste would you like to cover and why?

I would love to cover one of the great Fela Kuti’s songs because he advocated unity.

When are you planning to put out a new album and what can we all look forward to?

My album is right around the corner. My managerial team, London-based (ICM) spearheaded by Claude Djaquis, in conjunction with my Producer - Pablo Paratchino, are at work as we speak. They are true professionals.