Friday May 2, 2008, Musicians across the country converged at the Paradise Suits Hotel for their maiden congress. The two-day long which saw the creation of the Musicians Union of the Gambia, was organized in collaboration with, and sponsored by the national centre for arts and culture.

In his opening statement, the permanent secretary, Department of state for Tourism and Culture, deputizing for the secretary of state, reminded the musicians of the importance of such congress given that it shall undoubtedly complement and facilitate the implementation of the copyright law of the Gambia.

He also commended them for taking the bold initiative which, he said, had been nurtured and prepared under difficult circumstances for three years, following the selection of an interim task force of dynamic and determined Gambian musicians. This, he said, surely demonstrated their preparedness and strong will to overcome the disunity and inaction that had characterized Gambian musicians for too long.

He also reminded them of HE Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Jammeh’s singular effort in purchasing a mega sound system with the sole purpose of encouraging Gambian musicians and improving the music industry of the Gambia. He went on further to mention the strengthening and streamlining of the national centre for arts and culture as well as offering financial packages to hardworking and patriotic Gambian musicians by His Excellency, the President, who is regarded as the patron of arts and culture in the Gambia. Finally, he urged Gambia musicians to take note of this exemplary drive worthy of emulation while assuring them of the full support of the department of state for tourism and culture.

For the director general of the national centre for arts and culture, the creation of the union of Gambian musicians called MUSIGAM is a milestone in the history of Gambian music. Nevertheless, he lamented the inability of Gambian musicians who could not come together despite numerous attempts since 2003.

He urged them to open their doors so as to make this union an all-embracing and all-inclusive one. The NCAC director said he was glad that now, MUSIGAM who are indisputably the watchdogs of their own intellectual property, can form a collective society so as to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the copyright law of the Gambia.  Like the permanent secretary, he assured MUSIGAM  of the unflinching support of the national centre for arts and culture, while urging them to work diligently and harmoniously to ensure a vibrant music industry in the Gambia.

On his part, the director of literature, performing and fine arts gave the genesis of this congress, noting that he had to overcome a lot of obstacles. For him, Gambian artists have made the best choice of coming together both the young ones and veterans. He went to say that, despite the conspicuous absence of a few dynamic veterans who were invited, he is of the firm belief the Gambian music industry has taken a new dimension. He also implored the Gambian media, most of whom were present, to assist MUSIGM in promoting and marketing them through their institutions, noting that if good music has no borders, it is mainly due to the involvement and use of the media. He expressed his satisfaction and hoped that all other Gambian musicians would soon come on board for greater protection of their works, sharing of fruitful ideas and development of Gambian music to higher heights. The task, he stressed, was tedious but surmountable if only unity prevails.

“United we stand and divided we fall. Wherever there is a will, there is a way,” he re-iterated. Finally, he entreated all present to sing the famous song of the great Martin Luther King entitled, “WE SHALL OVERCOME”.

During the congress participants had the oportunity to review and amend a draft constitution which was finally adopted.  A copy of this will be available to all members upon registration.

Among other benefits, through MUSIGAM, Gambian musicians shall enjoy international co-operation and assistance by linking and partnering with other powerful, international financial institutions and musical organizations.

The establishment of a music conservatory of the Gambia is also envisaged and all participants agreed that this will fall in line with the construction of a rocording house in Kanilai by HE the President, Alhaji, Dr. A JJ Jammeh.

The congress, which observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen Gambian musicians before it was declared open, was also graced by the presence of veteran Gambian musicians like Kunon Jarjutay, Abdel Kabir Ngum, Mawdo Suso, Jali Nyama Jobarteh, Koto Ngum, Ebrima Jobarteh, Mam Tamsir Njie and Mbye Gaye.

The department of state for tourism and culture together with MUSIGAM also seize this opportunity to thank Mrs. Amie Lette-Ndow for her usual generosity and solidarity with Gambian artists. A big “Thank you” also goes to the IEC for providing technical assistance during the election of the executive. As one of them put it, they were returning the same ball to Gambian musicians who always collaborate with them during national elections.