An Exclusive Interview with DenG on his MTV MAMA 2016 Experience

DenG, Juliet Ibrahim and Brigitte Rouhana

Liberia's number one sensational artist, DenG, was nominated for MTV MAMA 2016 Listener's Choice award.  The artist flew to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the award ceremony, knocking elbows with the "best of the best" in the African music industry.  C Liberia Clearly caught up with DenG this morning, asking him 5 questions about his overall experience. 

1. What was your initial reaction when you first heard that you was nominated for MTV Base Africa Listener's Choice award?

I was very surprised and shocked when I first heard that I was nominated for MTV Base Africa Listener's Choice Award. I thought I was dreaming and wondering how did it happened, but I later came to myself and remembered that people been giving me feedback, telling me that my songs are playing outside of Liberia. Shout out to Alice Yawo,  she did extremely well with my career.

 

 2. What was it like being at the event with the "best of the best" in the African music industry?

 We arrived at the event RED CARPET late because of the long traffic, but thank God we did some interviews with some TV stations that were still around and successfully made it to the VIP, where all the big artists were sitting. My seat was right near the godfather and giant of South Africa music OSKIDO; I introduced myself to him and we exchanged contacts. I went to Diamond, Wizkid and Koredo Bello, introduced myself and got their contacts. People were just looking at me because my dress code was strange, lol.  I didn't bother to go to Sakodie, Patoranking and Yemi because we are in the same hotel, I will meet them later. 

 

 3. What did you learn from the experience?

I learned that other African artists got so much passion for this music game. I admired their humbleness. We have more work to do as Liberian artists.  Admired how these big artists put so much passion in everything. We the Liberian artists need to learn a lot about performances and branding.
These artists out here don't joke with music business oh.  Music business is a big business, we should stop, we should stop joking with it.  These big artists put so much passion and energy in their work and their people return the favor.  I think it's big heart and complacency that is suffering most of us the Liberian artists, real talk, lol.  It's not how long but how well.  Our industry also needs investors because we have talent.  Money needs to be invested, artists need to be discipline.

 4. What should we expect from you next? 

 Expect a new DenG. More work to be done. Just started. I need to start working on my brand and marketing strategies.  So, people should expect a new DenG. The only competition I see is myself. I need to be better than who I was yesterday and who I am now.  I compete with myself. 

 5. Any message for your fans?

Shout out to the fans of Liberian music and fans that took their precious time to vote for me, I love you all.  I came to South Africa for you and do this music for you.  Shout out to my fellow artists, promoters and Djs. Liberian music on the rise... let's keep pushing.