Editor,

As a Gambian who dearly loves his country, I proudly register my appreciation and sincere gratitude for your paper's dedication to good journalism and objectivity in information dissemination.

We Africans still have a long way to go to transform our societies into the twenty first century mould.
One way of doing that is through responsible journalism.

Ebrima Bittaye

Editor,

Iam very happy with the work President Yahya Jammeh has been doing in The Gambia.

Maybe the Gambian people don't realise how much luck they have that Allah has given them this man as president. I am a student in France, at Université Catholique de Lille.  Merci beaucoup pour tous.

Williams Darboe

France

Mayors from Senegal and The Gambia have agreed to set up a federated framework for peace between the two countries and the sub-region as a whole. This is the main conclusion of a meeting recently held in Ziguinchor and attended by all municipal top authorities of the two countries.

The framework consists of a mixed committee that will regularly meet, discuss and build partnership on peace and development issues affecting ordinary citizens in the two countries. The results and recommendations of the municipal authorities on these issues will enable prompt and relevant decision-making from top authorities of the two countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the mayor of Ziguinchor, Robert Sagna, said the idea is to promote the participation and ownership of peace initiatives and activities at community levels in the two countries. “It is an idea from the Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh, who insisted that populations be involved at grassroots level in all initiatives geared towards peace building between Senegal and The Gambia. President Jammeh, like his counterpart, Abdoulaye Wade, has firmly entrusted us with the noble mission that consists of regularly tabling and discussing problems that stand as hurdles in the road to a lasting peace,” Robert Sagna explained.

The mayor of Ziguinchor further thanked The Gambian leader for his efforts in ensuring the return of a lasting peace in Casamance.

On his part, the mayor of Kanifing, Yankuba Colley, recalled the need to consider a holistic approach to peace-building between the peoples of the two countries.

“There is a need to give a helping hand to our respective leaders in tackling the problems of poverty currently worsened by the global oil crisis and expensive cost of basic commodities. Our own participation at grassroots level in finding local responses to these urgent needs will be a milestone contribution towards President Wade and Jammeh’s efforts in promoting peace and development in our countries,” Mr Colley explained.

The mayor of Senegal’s city of Rufisque, Ndiawar Touré, agreed with Yankuba Colley’s approach and told the media that the attempts on finding solutions to peace and development issues should no longer remain the sole responsibility of top authorities.

“We should meet and discuss more frequently to strengthen these first steps made in Ziguinchor. The cooperation at local levels will certainly help to strengthen the exchange of experiences as well as build mutual understanding between Senegalese and Gambian peoples as we have no choice but to live together,” he concluded.

Jabel Sarr, is another young Gambian hip-hop singer currently based in Sweden. He is the latest Gambian hip-hop talent to be discovered in that part of the world. Jay T, as he is fondly called, is currently busy on his much anticipated debut mix-tape called  “Da Saga Begins” which will be out very soon.

With the recent discoveries of Gambian artists based abroad, there is big optimism that the country can achieve its desired goals in the development of the country’s music sector. The 21 year-old hip-hop star, started making serious impact on his music business since last year.

In an exclusive interview with What’s On, last Monday, Jay T disclosed that he was inspired to venture into music by artists like Bone Thugs N Harmony from Cleveland USA, Krayzie Bone, Nelly, Michael Jackson and the Senegalese born R&B sensation- Akon.

“My style of music and my sound are unique,” he said.
According to him, the hip-hop music industry in Sweden is not up to standard compared to other countries like the UK and the USA where the markets are bigger.

“In Sweden it’s like there is no future in it especially if you are engaged in hip-hop music. The only good thing about Sweden is that the competition is not that much, and as a foreign artist, it is very easy to come here and conquer the market. Sweden is not for me, like I told you before, I am only based here for a while, but it’s not my goal to continue my music in Sweden,” he said.

The 21-year old further revealed his intension to move to USA or UK, where the hip-hop trade is in greater force. “Many people in these places love and appreciate it,” he disclosed.

 “I have not yet released any albums, but right now am working on my highly anticipated mix-tape called Da Saga Begins. Right now, I cannot tell you how many tracks it will contain but I want my fans to rest assured as they are going to be groundbreaking songs,” he said.

According to him, the forthcoming mix-tape reveals his own story, as a new and upcoming artist.

“Am just starting, and I am not stopping as the sky is the limit for me. Trust me,” he assured his fans.

The young musician boasts amazing vocal abilities and his song-writing skills are just great. So be on the lookout for this emerging prodigy as he is ready to showcase his talents to the world.

For more information on Jay T log on to: www.myspace.com/jaytose1or www.myspace.com/jayteng10.

The Gambian musical superstar and kora virtuoso Jaliba Kuyateh, recently, stormed Mbour, a tourist resort town about 75km from Dakar, and filled lots of hearts with his lyrics in a night described as exceptional in this year’s summer holidays.

Jaliba’s live performance was the peak event of the activities marking the annual summer cultural programmes in Mbour organised by the strong Mandingo community living in Senegal’s Petite Côte (meaning Little Coast).

Thousands of fans from the regions of Dakar, Thiès and other surrounding areas stormed Mbour to attend Jaliba’s performance which was long awaited. The Gambian kora star was as usual up to the task with his band that filled the air with the wonderful lyrics and melodies of his songs.  Mbour Darbo, Teri Kafo and other tracks in his new album excited the cheerful crowd that enjoyed for over four hours the magic of Jaliba’s kora. The contact between the king of Gambian kora and his fans sounded like a reconciliation for many people who felt disappointed last year when Jaliba was announced for the same event but failed to turn up due to his tour in America.

Cheikhou Dabo, chairman of la Collectivité Mandingue de Mbour, the umbrella body for all Mandingos living in Mbour, expressed joy and satisfaction over Jaliba’s performance. “Jaliba Kuyateh is no stranger to Mbour. Whenever he comes here, it’s like he is in The Gambia. He has always accompanied us in our cultural activities and his performance is always a date for my people and other communities living with us in Mbour.”

Cheikhou Dabo said he believes that the cultural activities of his organisation are means to further strengthen ties between the peoples of Senegal and The Gambia. “Borders between Senegal and the Gambia are just artificial setups from the colonial masters. The onus is now on us to ensure that we do not allow any cultural gap between the two peoples” Mr Dabo added.

Jaliba’s concert in Mbour has now become a must in the yearly Mandingo cultural display centred around male circumcision. Dozens of children have been circumcised this year under the supervision of la Collectivité Mandingue de Mbour.

The period is known to be very recreational in Mbour as the city becomes the centre of attention for many Senegalese in Dakar and other regions who travel to see the rare appearances of the Kankurang. The festivities ended last weekend.

Mbaye Dièye Faye, a famous Senegalese musician has immortalised this annual event with a song in praise of Mbour and its symbol, the Kankurang.

Babucarr Etu Ndow, a renowned Gambian artist who left The Gambia on July 22nd to attend the 9th edition of the famous Changchun Art Exhibition in China, has said children have a potential role to play in the development of arts and culture.

According to Mr Etu Ndow, children have to be caught young in the world of arts. “To catch them young in the world of art is the best method of teaching arts to them. It’s the best tool for the children to appreciate and understand what the whole essence of arts is about and help them develop and specialise in it,’’ he said.

Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow made these remarks in a recent chat with Arts and Culture from his base in China, where he is attending a 40-day extensive and intensive arts exhibition with 42 top flight artists drawn from all parts of the globe. Mr Etu is amongst the top 8 artists selected from Africa.  He represented The Gambia and West Africa at the arts festival, where he would place his artistic work at the famous Changchun Park Exhibition as is the case with all the participating artists.

Mr Ndow revealed to Arts and Culture his plan to establish a kindergarten art centre at his Tunbung Art Village Gallery in Tujereng, Kombo North. The kindegarter centre will be open to children from within and outside the communities of Tujereng. It will provide training sessions for  children and be used  as an exhibition centre for them.
“These children will  play with words, colour, and forms.  They will be fully equipped with skills on arts and culture,’’ he said.

He seized the opportunity to appeal to the general public to render assistance towards the establishment of the  kindergarten art centre.

Mr Sheriff Gomez, secretary of state for Youth and Sport has expressed his department’s dissatisfaction over the  mere participation of Gambian sports men and women in an international competitions, calling on them to start competing for medals.

SoS Gomez revealed that his department wants to achieve excellent results in sports, and as such, he wants to see Gambian teams excel in international competitions rather than serving as mere participants.

The Youth and Sports supremo made these comments at the NYSS headquarters on Wednesday, during a day tour of institutions under his purview, and the remarks came barely a month when The Gambian athletics team returned empty-handed from another Olympic Games held in Beijing, China.  

He said Gambia winning medals at international arena may take longer in the books, but was quick to add that his department wants to ensure that it happens in a shortest possible time, where commitment and dedication would be the key factors.

“We must provide strategic ideas geared towards achieving excellent in sports,’ said Gomez who however, expressed his delight at the trend of development registered in Gambian football so far. “Gambian footballers have started playing in major European leagues, notably the Premiership and we must nurture this trend. Other sporting disciplines must also ensure that they compete and win medals in international competitions,” he stressed.

This year's FA Cup final scheduled for Sunday, September 7, at the Independence Stadium, would see current league champions, Wallidan, lock horns with the Academy Boys, Samger, in a contest that will earn the former a double or the later their first-ever silverware in Gambian football.

Skipper George Cole's 67th minute strike was enough to push FA Cup defending champions Ports Authority out of the contest on Wednesday.

GPA had numerous squandered chances even though they dictated the  pace of the game through out the regulation with Gibou Drammeh blowing away a penalty in the 21st minute when Wallidan's Muhammed Davies was adjudged to have handled in the area.
 
The Academy Boys, Samger, won the hearts and respect of many sports enthusiasts with their beautiful skills, techniques and tactics as well as result oriented nature. Their coming into top flight football for the second time since their establishment with the intention of just staying in the league, ended up not just at reaching their goal but saw them just two points adrift of their Sunday FA Cup final opponents Wallidan in this year's keenly contested league.

Samger humbled SK East 2-0 in a derby encounter at SK East Mini-stadium to book a place in the semi finals - thanks to goals from Abdou Badjie and Lamin Samateh.

Samateh was to be thanked yet again for setting up Assan Gassama to head home the only goal against Steve Biko on Wednesday, which earned them a place in their first ever FA Cup final.

Wallidan, who are basking on past glories and banking on experience and a quest for a double, would seek solace on their current form while Samger would learn from the experience of narrowly surrendering the league title and their desire and determination to crown their fanciful football with their first-ever silverware in front of one of their directors, Cherno Samba, who is expected to earn his first cap for the Gambia  when Scorpions take on Lone Stars on Saturday.

It must be said here that Wallidan and Samger may not be with some of their key functionaries but this has not affected both teams in their quest for the title.
Wallidan's goal poacher and season's league top scorer, Sainey Touray, is presently plying his trade with New York Red Bulls after signing a developmental contract with the MLS giants last week, and Pa Modou Ngum who succeeded him in Wallidan front line has failed to make his mark due to injury.

Samger are also without their head coach, Jane Joof, who is on a refresher coaching course in the UK - thanks to the club’s director, Harry Garber, who facilitated his trip.
Strike partners Haruna Jammeh and Buba Jallow will be missing too. Haruna Jammeh is on trial abroad while Buba Jallow's is nursing an injury.