Jah Bless presents album to President

Jah Bless, a solo Gambian artist, on Friday, presented copies of her debut album called ‘Joup’ meaning Honesty to Mr Abdoulie Sallah, secretary to the Cabinet for the Gambian leader President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh at a presentation held at the secretary to the Cabinet’s office at State House.

The gesture contained 40 compact discs containing 9 titles and 60 audio tapes containing 8 tracks, as well as a DVD compilation of 7 disks.

Presenting the album, Amie Jah Bless, expressed gratitude to the President Jammeh for funding the production of the debut album.

According to her, the President’s gesture came at a time when she doubted if the album would come out. Jah Bless added that Dr Jammeh is a source of inspiration for Gambian musicians.

Receiving the album on behalf of President Jammeh, Abdoulie Sallah, secretary to the Cabinet, hailed the young musician for turning the president’s gesture into such a worthy venture.  He noted that Amie is the fifth Gambian musician to benefit from the Gambian leader’s generosity. “The choice is yours.  The President has given you the financial support to improve your talent.  You should use the opportunity to explore your talent in a bid to become a prolific musician,’’ he said.

According to the cabinet secretary, the album “joup” is in line with the president’s principles of probity, transparency and honesty. Abdoulie Sallah urged Gambian musicians to be innovative and explore their talents in a bid to become successful musicians.

Momodou Joof, director general of the National Council for Arts and Culture, recalled that the young musician received a handsome amount of money from the president to produce her debut album.

According to Mr Joof, the president’s donation was a manifestation of his commitment to the development of Gambia’s music industry.

Bai Jack, Jah Bless’s manager said that the young musician is very ambitious and she is ever ready to explore her talent.  He thanked President Jammeh for his donation as it led to the production of the album.

Hassoum Ceesay, deputy permanent secretary, Office of the President, who is also the director of Press and Public Relations chaired the occasion.