The musicians of the Gambia last Friday and Saturday gathered at the conference hall of the Paradise suites hotel to set up a new union that would unite the Gambian music fraternity under one umbrella and to advocate for their collective rights. This was organised and moderated by the National Centre for Arts and Culture, which was preceded by a congress in election of nine strong executive members. At the end of the congress last Saturday, they have also reviewed and unanimously adopted the constitution of the union.

Sulayman Sowe was elected as the union’s president while Yusupha Ngum, alias Jolof man, Alhagie Singateh, alias Freaky Joe and Sambou Suso were elected as first, second and third vice presidents. Respectively. However, Ebrima Ceesay, member of unions outgoing task force interim committee of the union took the position of the secretary nd was assisted by Ebrima Jobarteh while Baye Jack, Amie Cherry and Oko Drammeh were elected as the Public Relations Office, Treasurer and the unions Programme coordinator respectively.

Speaking during the opening ceremony on Friday, Kaliba Senghor, permanent secretary, department of state for tourism and culture while deputising for the SoS for tourism and culture challenged the musicians noted the significance of the formation of the union.

He outlined that the union shall lead to a vibrant music industry adding that music is an important mean of communication that fosters unity, peace and dialogue within the people around the world. Mr senghor challenged the musicians to revive the Gambia’s’ rich cultural heritage which has been playing a pivotal role in educating and entertaining the general public.

Modou Joof, director of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) described the event as historic noting that it was a return to the dying board. Mr Joof underscored that it was in March 2001 when NCAC invited Gambian musicians to brainstorm about their problems in a meeting and during that meeting, they found out that all the Gambian musicians were sharing the same problems.

He told the musicians that since then, many attempts were made to set up the union but to no avail. He informed them that copyrights do subsist in a work even where there are no copyright bureaus. Mr Joof then thanked the out going interim task force committee of the union for their tireless commitment for he realisation of the association.

This was followed by the awarding of certificates to the out going interim task force committee for their well-done job.