It’s been six years since Freddy Will moved to Europe. This phlebotomist-turned-author joined the coveted assembly of Grammy Award nominees in 2010. In the summer of 2016, he traveled to London, the UK, where he published the first volume of “The Sandmann’s Journal” after announcing the new publication series on his Facebook page. The Sierra Leone postage stamp honoree spoke with us about diplomatic life in Europe, eleven book publications, and the forthcoming second edition of his second book, “The Dark Road from Romarong.”
That was his second book publication. It was his second to be published in Canada, where he began his literary career. At one point, About Insider wondered how he was able to accomplish this much since the new book series sounded like an impossible feat. The “2 Passports” rapper spent the first ten years releasing three independent albums and three books in Canada. When he visited Belgium, we thought the frequent traveler was on vacation. He then flew back to Canada and went to St. George’s, Grenada, before returning to Brussels the same year.
We noticed that Freddy Will was moving remarkably fast by December 2016 when he published his fifth book, “The Sandmann’s Journal Volume 2.” That was the first time he published two books in the same year. Is that why he rarely has time to use his Instagram, Twitter, Club House, or TikTok accounts? His social media happenings occur on Facebook, although Freddy has promised to launch on another platform for his subsequent projects. He told us to subscribe to his Nebula account and follow him on LinkedIn since he rebranded his blog.
He travels, parties with exciting friends, and makes road trips around Europe. He regularly shares this information on Facebook and Instagram. We’ve learned that he uses African Black, Sandmann, and Buntry Nimrod as alter egos and has published “The Sandmann’s Journal,” a journal of his alter ego. By 2022 he had delivered all volumes of the seven-book series. 2017 was excellent for the once-proud New Jersian. He told the Los Angeles Tribune that he was “born” in Sierra Leone, was naturalized in the United States, and has lived in Canada. He also holds a Grenadian diplomatic passport, which explains his political status in Europe.
Freddy describes himself as Afropolitan because he has lived in several countries. We’ve seen him tour many parts of the world. The cities he frequents are Berlin, Munich – Germany, Amsterdam, Rotterdam – Netherlands, Paris – France, Baku – Azerbaijan, Toronto – Canada, Jersey City, NJ – USA, Brussels – Belgium, L.A., California – USA, Tallinn – Estonia, and Prague – Czech Republic. His most exciting destination was Freetown, Sierra Leone. We know he hadn’t been there since 1995, when he escaped the country’s decade-long civil war.
Freddy Will has a small group of haters in Toronto when it comes to criticism. After failing to sabotage the legend, they claim they don’t read his blogs. He dropped “Views from the 7,” which he claims Drake inspired. The album includes one song, “Girl from Happy Hill,” starring Egyptian Angelina and Italian Manuel Mariano, which chronicles the life of Dr. Jean Augustine PC, CM, OOnt, CBE, from Ontario in the documentary. “Steadfast.” In 2020 he released an afrobeat and hip-hop crossover album with Kenyan, Nigerian, and Sierra Leonean artists.
WELCOME BACK TO ABOUT INSIDER.
Thank you for having me.
YOU JUST COMPLETED THE SEVENTH VOLUME OF YOUR SANDMANN’S JOURNAL BOOK SERIES, AND NOW YOU’RE PUBLISHING THE SECOND EDITION OF YOUR SECOND BOOK!
Yes. I have a few second editions in the works. ‘The Dark Road from Romarong’ is special because it’s my first historical novel. I wrote it before I wrote ‘Hip Hop Kruzade: Path of a Legend.’ This book, the first edition, sheds light on the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, but from Nigeria to Morocco, many other empires shaped the history and cultures of West Africa. There’s also that classic Canadian and Caribbean connection. This second edition is a reminder and a celebration of Sierra Leone’s progress. I am very excited about it.
YOU’VE PUBLISHED MORE THAN ONE BOOK IN THE SAME YEAR A FEW TIMES NOW. WHAT’S THE PROCESS AFTER YOU POST A NEW BOOK? HOW DO YOU PROMOTE IT TO THE PUBLIC?
I go on speaking tours at institutes and university symposiums, literature festivals, book fairs, etc. My team typically handles the bulk of the promotional work, but I also promote my books on social media. You know, being an author is a tireless job. I promote my books everywhere.
WILL THERE BE AN ACCOMPANYING ALBUM LIKE THE FIRST EDITION?
I’ve been romancing with the idea to release ‘Dark Horse from Romarong 2,’ but I haven’t settled on a definite yes just yet. During the pandemic, I connected with musicians in Sierra Leone to work on a Zouk and Afrobeat album. I wanted to mix that with trap, drill, and boom-bap and then spit some cold Krio bars. I imagined winning a Grammy award for that. A celebration of cultures. Right now, I will drop the second edition by itself. It’s not easy to write a book and then record accompanying music, but the album can always come later.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO HONOR SIERRA LEONE? DO THEY RETURN THE FAVOR?
Artists should pay homage to their homeland. You give honor, respect, and integrity to your people. I will keep inspiring that. In my case, I’m an Afropolitan. I have a few homelands to which I pay homage. Shout out to my people in Somerset, New Jersey, and Ontario, Canada. Life has taken me in the Afropolitan direction, I wave the Sierra Leone flag and represent the motherland, and I don’t need anyone to return that because it’s not a favor, it’s my duty.
IF AND WHEN THEY DO, YOU WILL NOT BE OPPOSED TO THAT.
No. I don’t do what I do for clout, but I will embrace it if the people gravitate my way. I haven’t decided to drop another Krio record. I’m announcing the second edition of my second book and hoping to publish it by the end of this year. I’ve paid enough homage. I can’t go into details, but Africa is my home. It’s my mother and fatherland. I’m also an Afropolitan. There are other places where I’ve technologically advanced my talents that deserve the same homage.
ANY THOUGHTS ON THE POLITICAL CLIMATE IN THE US OR CANADA?
I’ve never really understood Canadian politics. The British style is foreign to me, so I watch and learn. Do you mean the Biden administration and the Russian war in Ukraine?
IN YOUR INTERVIEW WITH THE LOS ANGELES TRIBUNE, YOU SAID ABOUT THE CANCEL CULTURE. AND I QUOTE: “I THINK IT’S WACK. WHY ARE OUR WORK AND PRIVATE LIVES THE SAME? WORK IS A SERVICE THAT YOU PROVIDE TO AN EMPLOYER FOR A WAGE. THEY CAN’T OWN YOU, OR YOU WOULD BE THEIR SLAVE. ONCE THE WORK HOURS HAVE PASSED, YOU’RE ON YOUR TIME. WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR PRIVATE LIFE IS NOT YOUR EMPLOYER’S BUSINESS. IT WAS AN EXCHANGE. YOU DID THE JOB, AND THEY PAID YOU. DONE. EVERYBODY GOES THEIR SEPARATE WAY. MY DISCLAIMER IS THAT YOU CAN’T BE A RAPIST OR A MURDERER.”
Right. That interview was around the premise of my Sandmann’s Journal book series. I spoke a lot about social engineering, the negative impact that radical feminism has on traditional cultures and romantic relationships, and the paradox of this “cancel culture,” in my opinion. I don’t understand why they get the public, your employer, or business partners involved.
WHAT ABOUT THE RUSSIAN WAR IN UKRAINE?
That, I don’t know. When we talk about social engineering, the globalization of radical feminism, and culture, one must wonder. Is that a war against Ukraine or the US? Ukraine does not have the money, manpower, or resources to afford that, but they’re taking Russia on their turf. At this point, does it even matter who wins? Innocent people have lost their lives, cities are destroyed, and I’ve heard that they’re being racist toward African refugees fleeing the carnage. Why is Russia even there? There’s too much going on, so I don’t know.
THESE ARE THE TOPICS YOU NORMALLY BLOG ABOUT, AM I CORRECT?
This one is different. They are using cancel culture for the first time in regards to war. Not some celebrity or company. They’re canceling an entire country, giving sanctions, and all that. But to answer your question, I have completed the blog. Now, I’m moving on to something different. There are enough blogs out there now. When I was blogging, my main political focus was on social injustice related to sexual orientations, race, gender, and things of that nature. Sometimes I’d weigh in on the US elections in a debate about the policies.
IN YOUR INTERVIEW WITH THE LOS ANGELES TRIBUNE, YOU SAID THIS ABOUT BEING A DIPLOMAT IN EUROPE, AND I QUOTE: “IT’S AWESOME! A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK BECAUSE YOU’RE A DIPLOMAT, YOU DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RULES BUT THAT’S NOT TRUE. YOU GET A DRIVER AND A COOK. YOU ATTEND EVENTS. YOU MEET QUEENS, KINGS, PRINCES, PRINCESSES, PRESIDENTS, PRIME MINISTERS, YOU KNOW, TOP-RANKING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND OTHER DIPLOMATS. ME, I’M A WRITER WHO IS CRAZY ABOUT EUROPEAN HISTORY SO BEING A DIPLOMAT HAS ALLOWED ME TO EXPAND MY KNOWLEDGE.” IS THAT HOW YOU FEEL?
I remember being stranded in Sierra Leone during the civil war. There was no electricity, and the kind of food I eat now was nowhere to be found. To survive that situation and then have the opportunity to live and learn in the United States, record albums and write books in Canada, and now be a diplomat residing within the European Union? Who can knock that?
WILL YOU BE MOVING BACK TO AFRICA?
I always get this question. Europe is geographically closer to Africa. I thought Canada was my last stop. Europe wasn’t in the cards, and here I am. Then again, I could return to the States. Would I love to move back to Sierra Leone or Liberia? What about the Gambia? What about Senegal? Or move somewhere new? South Africa sounds nice. I still have Germany and Canada. My possibilities are there, and I think the best idea is to leave everything fluid right now. Let me stay where I am and enjoy my blessings before planning to move somewhere else.
YOU’RE A NEW JERSEY RAPPER WHO PUBLISHED ELEVEN BOOKS INDEPENDENTLY. WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR MUSIC CAREER AT THIS MOMENT? DO YOU HAVE NEW MUSIC COMING?
First off, why is everyone describing us as rappers suddenly? We’re Hip-Hop recording artists. Music is in my blood but I love writing. I see myself releasing new records in my sixties and seventies. Do I want to drop new music right now? Yes. Am I under pressure or a time limit? No. The studio is one of my offices, but I’m at an age where I take my time before I record. I know the power of my lyrics. I’m transitioning to fiction novels. The ventures outside the entertainment world make my music more of an expensive hobby that I do happily.
YOU’VE AUTHORED ELEVEN BOOKS?
It’s surreal to talk about that. About twelve years ago, I was writing my second book. I plan to re-edit and update it with new specifics to expand the storyline. Yes, I’ve written eleven books with numbers twelve and thirteen on the way. It’s a dream come through.
YOUR MUSIC IS ENCHANTING. YOU’VE BEEN BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO JAZZ, CALYPSO, ROCK, AND CLASSICAL CROSSOVERS. YOUR BLOGS AND “THE SANDMANN’S JOURNAL” ARE ALSO BRILLIANT. SO IS THE LYRICISM IN YOUR RAPS. YOUR STYLE IS UNLIKE ANY RAPPER WE’VE FOLLOWED. I’M SURE THE FANS WANT MORE.
I love all kinds of music, but I recently worked in Indian films. I recorded the song “Natural Light” as a soundtrack for a Malayalam movie called “Poriveyil,” which means Scorching Sun. I went to Cochin to perform it for Farook Abdul Rahiman, the director. I also recorded the song “Girl from Happy Hill” for the highly anticipated documentary, “Steadfast,” featuring Dr. Jean Augustine PC CM OOnt CBE that Fahim Hamid Ali directed in Canada.
To know more about Freddy Will visit: www.freddywill.com
