Gibril “Gibrilville” Mansaray is a multiple Akademia Award winning recording artist, and multi faceted entertainer.
Born in Accra on November 27th 1981, Gibril is the son of Sarah and Mohammed Mansaray.His father is from Sierra Leone and mother from Ghana. Gibril’s interest in performing begun at an early age.He grew up with his family in Nigeria,Togo, Benin and Ghana. From his fathers massive record collection to his big brother’s love for reggae music,he gained an appreciation and understanding for music that would later influence the sound he will create in years to come.
Gibril collaborated with M1 (Dead Prez), on his first single titled “Streets of Africa”. The record was recorded and produced by “Coptic” billboard topping producer for “P .Diddy’s I need a girl” (Remix)
Later that year, Gibril held an audition at “smash studio” in Manhattan, where he put together his first band.The Band’s future almost came to a short end in 2011, when Gibril was picked up by immigration officials and Detained by immigration, customs and enforcement (I.C.E). After 9 months of detention, he was finally released under supervision on March 9th, 2012 back into the united States. He jumped right back into the studio and released “The Foreigner J.J.C. Deluxe” .The Album is accompanied by a documentary on YouTube.
Gibril continues to assert himself as a trailblazer in the creative world. He has finished working on his new Ep called “Black Cadillac Season 1”.He jumped in the studio and produced the album with his band.Season 1, is mixed by Gordon “Commissioner Gordon” Williams whose resume includes multiple Grammy Awards and numerous Gold and Platinum albums.The Ep was released on july 28th 2016. Season 1 has earned Gibrilville his second Akademia award.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in west Africa. Nigeria, Ghana , Togo , Benin. My mum is from Ghana and my dad from Sierra Leon. I moved to the states when I was 19 yrs old. Hiphop and Ragga music has a heavy influence on me making music. My family is not a super musical family full of musicians, so it was not passed on to me. I just really loved the hiphop and reggae culture . And growing up in Africa I had a lot of exposure to both genres.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Yes sure. Don’t underestimate any opportunity you have to put your music in front of people. Always perform live as much as possible and never stop making music. The rest of it will come together if you are consistent
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I try to breath, and make it look like its a punchline lollllll so if I forget the next line, I don’t try and make up another word to replace it cuz then its total disaster. I am teaching my self to accept the errors on stage but make it look like part of my act. Kind of like a dancer.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I am not yet on tour, but I’m sure this is just our first interview. By interview 2, ill have plenty juicy stories for you.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Working with my band and a great engineer/Artist called Jake Palumbo. He got all the upgrade we need!! we almost got the mixing done. Really excited about 2018 and our projects coming out.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Blogs work best for me. I search the internet looking for music blogger . I send them a message check out their platform and reach out. I find it the most effective way to speak with writer and submit my project personally. Works for me
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Jamaica with bob marley
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Yes. Black Cadillac Season 3 & 4. Both projects are ready for 2018. Just trying to decide if I want to make it a double album or release them 6 months apart.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I have spent a long time in the car industry working with Nissan.But as long as I have worked as a professional car sales man, I have always recorded music. Thats the beauty about music. It allows you and inspires you to do other things. I grew up wanting to become a pilot, so who know maybe ill be flying planes bumping my music lolllll
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Black Cadillac Season 3 & 4
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Big up to my band mates, my family and RIP to my father who past last year. I miss him a lot.
