Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Kandalit
Kandalit is a Hip Hop Emcee/Producer/Sound Engineer from the Gambia. Previously based in the UK, he is an MC with a focus on dope technique, killer punchlines, deep thought provoking, conscious lyrics and intricate wordplay.
Usually backed by dark and heavy beats, he handles all the production himself, mixing, mastering etc, having completed a Music Tech Course in 2010. He also produced, and was the host of the TV show Hip Hop 101 (aired on Paradise TV, and available on Youtube), and the Radio show Hip Hop 101 (Paradise FM), that would showcase Emcees from the Gambia.
Usually backed by dark and heavy beats, he handles all the production himself, mixing, mastering etc, having completed a Music Tech Course in 2010.
Independent Artist with a deep dark underground style. Released a free mixtape ‘Field Of Fire’ in April 2014 followed by the ‘POINT OF NO RETURN’ mixtape in October 2015, the ‘JOB REK EP’ in Feb 2017, ‘THE NEXT STAGE EP’ in Nov 2017, the ‘Holocaust Series’ in 2018, the Knight Vision EP in 2020, and most recently the Fire In The Field Mixtape at the end of 2021.
Runner Up at the Cypher Street Rap Battle Competition 2021/22
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Hearing early Death Row Music back in 92-93, the first album I listened to properly was Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle. The mix of bangin beats and combination of different emcees got me hooked.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I used to write rhymes since 1997, but never had the means to record any song. Recording over cassette tapes with a mic connected to the stereo wasn’t really working, so it wasn’t until 2002, when a DJ friend of mine was using Reason 1, that I took an interest in making beats. As soon as he gave me the software I started making beats.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The latest project, a two track EP called “The Bigger Picture” was released in September 2025. The title track “The Bigger Picture” is a continuation of a song I released in 2020 called “The Picture”. Using the same components, I made a different, darker beat with a tighter rap flow to represent the progression in my skill level, as well as showcasing my ambitions to reacher a greater audience without compromising my underground style. The second track, “The Landing” is a conceptual piece that expresses how, with both feet firmly planted on the road to where I wanna get to, any obstacles, or attempted distractions will not hinder my progress.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Dope, conscious hip hop with bangin beats, and plenty of lyrical prowess for the heads that appreciate a good pen game. Dark, head nodding beats are my canvasses, and the lyrics paint the picture of an emcee with a lot of drive and desire to create dope music that can resonate anywhere.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Definitely, simplicity is key. As someone who is more into technical rap flows and outstanding lyricism, I used to try to write flows that were very technical, and they would sometimes end up be too wordy for the average listener. I’ve learnt to mix it up a bit with more simple flows, especially with choruses, in order to get the message across easier, as well as making it easier for a listener to follow the lyrics. Its made writing a lot easier, especially since these days most hip hop tracks have two verses, instead of three.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Every song I’ve made is recorded in the studio, then the production is always computer based. I still like to sometimes use Reason to program drums, but Cubase is my main software I’ve been using since Cubase 1.0. I like the other sequencing software Pro Tools and Logic, but with Cubase I have the ability to manipulate sounds the way I want quicker.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
There’s so many I’ve heard recently that it’s hard to pinpoint one. Not sure if they count as indie artists because they stars, but I like Joey Bada$$ and Fliptrix’s recent drops, and I like the way they keep releasing music regularly. Also got to mention Aesop Rock, I alway dig his music.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Having started recording, releasing and performing songs while living in the UK, and then moving back to The Gambia in 2011, I’ve gained the ability to write songs that can be heard by anyone anywhere, having experienced a mix of different cultures and living styles/habits. I tend to take a wider view when writing songs, my experiences are like part of the continued study of human beings.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
To stay focused on your goals with determination, desire, and application. I like to call it “get up and go” type of music. Obstacles with always be there, that’s part of the course, just handle them and stay on track. I feel like that comes through in my vocals and the style of the beats with almost every track.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
How to analyse any situation, how to look at things from different views with different outcomes, and then select the way you want to move. Going through the whole creative process mutiple times, from idea to completion, making the beat, to writing, to recording the vocals, to mixing and mastering, to the graphic design, to release and promotion has taught me that.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Not really sure about that one. Definitely somewhere where real hip hop gets a massive energetic crowd.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Dr Dre hands down. His beats have always been dope, and underground bangin beats fit me perfectly
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://www.instagram.com/kandalit_dl
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091895815822
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Getting my music to more people, more countries, more connections, more listeners, more streams, more royalties, more places to perform at and more doors opening as a result. Living in a country where Hip Hop is well appreciated would be great too.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
The depth of my skillset and the dedication to my craft, as well as a real understanding of Hip Hop and the different styles, moods and techniques within.
Kandalit – Bandi Si Pet Interview
