A huge boost for Gambian music

It is still being asserted by historians and veteran musicians like Lie Ngum, Bai Janha and many others that Gambia was a popular music spot during the early post colonial days. Interestingly, despite the existence of a national TV, radio stations and different entertainment venues, this is not the case now. Gambians are seemingly not very proud of their own musicians and they do little to patronise them.

One Gambia Promotion is a registered charitable organisation in Sweden, that has been created to bring back the respect and glory that Gambian music used to enjoy. A special website was created and music lovers all over the world can listen to any Gambian musician online.

In an interview, the Chief Executive Officer of this organisation Pa Njie of Stockholm disclosed that his organisation is out to make Gambian music known and also to enable all musicians to enjoy the benefits of what they are doing. His organisation, according to reggae musician Singateh sponsored the production of  his music videos. Apart from Singateh many other musicians benefited from the One Gambia sponsorship  package and notable among them are, Njie B, Olugander, Nancy Nanz, Sambou Susso, Jollof Man, Ranking Fire, Rebellion D’Recaller, Smokie and many others.

Plans are already in high gear to produce three promising musicians and also to organise international gigs for them in Europe.

Singateh a.k.a Freaky Joe was in Europe recently under the promotion of One Gambia and it was a huge success. In Malmo, the third largest Swedish city, he was backed by a renowned band from Denmark. Apart from Sweden, he also performed in Germany and Austria. It was also the same with Sambou Susso, she was also in Europe last year under the same promotion.

One Gambia Promotion has now set up a new branch in The Gambia and there are plans to help musicians raise their own funds and support themselves. The  local branch in The Gambia is currently busy conducting video interviews with renowned musicians and traditional griots.  These interviews can be watched on the organisation’s website and already there is one with Pa Omar Jack.

The main branch in Stockholm is also busy trying to prepare the ground for some Gambian musicians expected in Sweden in February, as part of Gambia’s independence celebration. Besides, they are trying to locate all hidden musicians in Europe. Already they have met Mary Ndiaye and will be introducing her to the Gambian community in Stockholm on the 21st December 2007 at the popular Alvik entertainment hall.

“We want to try as much as possible to bring Gambian music to the home of all music lovers in the world. In One Gambia we felt there is need in exposing and promoting the hidden talents in the Gambia” said CEO Pa Njie, who works for a renowned international American Pharmaceutal Company and has been living in Sweden for more than a decade.

In addition to creating opportunities for Gambian musicians, this registered charitable organisation is also  working with musicians and promoters from Senegal, Guinea and Mali. CEO Njie, who hardly talks about his achievements is inviting all Gambian music lovers to lend a hand in his desire to lift the standard of Gambian music.