Gambian artists both traditional and mix modern musicians are set to organise an arts and music festival from the 27 -30th April 2007. The arts and music festival is geared towards promotion, preservation and development of cultural and traditional norms and values in the country, Sub-region, continental and world at large.

Mr. Mabou Touray, Coordinator of Sound City Production and proprietor of the Jakarlo Cultural Centre and night club, speaking in an interview with the arts and culture emphasised on the importance of the proposed arts festival in the history of the country's tradition and culture, noting that, it is meant to extensively exhibit, expose and cherish our rich traditional norms. According to Mr. Touray, it is believed that, the origin of Mbalax music is from Afro-manding music in the Gambia.

He added that, the festival will be from now on an annual event and he described the whole setup of the festival as a big challenge to his production company, but with God's guidance he said they will live up to expectation in the interest of national development as well as arts and culture.

According to Mr. Touray, as part of their contribution towards the development of football in the country, a significant number of talented Gambian artists were trained together for two months and compiled a melodious song for the National Under 20 team, in their preparation to play in Canada, June 2007. The single will be in the market soon he said..