We have seen a big increase in the number of radio stations in the country recently. This is positive for a number of reasons. Firstly it shows that there are eager enthusiastic and motivated entrepreneurs in the country who are willing to take risks in the world of private media business. The second benefit is that the people of The Gambia now have more choice. Choice is very important when it comes to the media. People should have access to a wide variety of media so that they can experience different types of music, views and opinions.

There is more than one newspaper in the country and this is positive. We hope that the number will continue to increase and with it people’s access to information. The next big step we wish to see is another television service. GRTS is a public broadcasting service and is doing its job well. People should however have a choice. A private television station would not be bound by the same constraints in relation to public service broadcasting and so would provide a complimentary service as opposed to a conflicting one.

A new television station would also create employment and open doors to those who wish to make a career in the media.

Variety is the spice of life so why should we not enjoy more choice when it comes to television as we do in other forms of media?

If some private company, individual or group of individuals approaches the government and wishes to open a new station they should be allowed. A new station would be very popular with our ever-growing population and would help broaden people’s access to alternative sources of information.

Of course any new venture would be a private enterprise and would not benefit from government funding. The revenue would be generated through advertising. There is no doubt that there is a large enough population in this country to support a station should a service be established and we look forward to the day when it becomes a reality.

Mr Lamin Darboe, alias ‘aka’, a man with a long record of music promotion in The Gambia is wasting no time in promoting music in the country. Mr Darboe is a native of coastal village of Gunjur Kombo South.

Briefing Entertainment at his studio in Gunjur, Janneh Kafo Radio Station, Mr Darboe highlighted his past activities in music promotion in The Gambia and the world at large. “It has always been my dream to be part of the music industry in my life. I started promoting music with our experienced talented artist Jaliba Kuyateh, Ifambondi who were then called Eagles Jazz Band. I worked very hard to make sure that these talented artists are not discouraged,” he added. According to him, “I was among the first Gambians to bring outside musicians to play live concert in The Gambia and to share their talented experience with our young Gambian artists.” The music promoter travelled to so many countries in the world to promote music, especially African music.

Mr Darboe, who stands for justice, expressed his happiness on the boosting popularity of young Gambian musicians. He appealed to them to be very courageous and mannerly.

Pa Kebba Gaye, commonly called Preacher, is a young talented upcoming artist struggling to reach stardom.

The 27 year-old resident of Kololi is currently busy in the studios for the final release of his much anticipated debut CD album.
Preacher dropped his demo two months ago. The forthcoming album called "Sisasy", is expected to contain 12 sound tracks and is currently being recorded at the House of Production near Senegambia,

In an interview with What’s On last Wednesday, the young reggae and R&B star disclosed that his career in music dates as far back as 1995 but due to financial constraints, his dream of releasing his first album has not yet been realised.

"The title of the album is "Sisasy" a Wollof parlance meaning "Instantly". As a new artist, you got to work hard because there is little or no support for many artists in terms of finances. Some of the tunes in this album are  “The younger generation” and “Who shall we praise”. Since I started singing, I have played at various venues and many people appreciate my stuff. I think we need to showcase our culture anywhere we go; to represent the Gambia or show that we are Gambians. Right now, I need support to take my career to another level," he said.

Preacher, formerly of the Fire Squad, was inspired into music by Black Nature, the trailblazers of the Gambian music industry.

According to him, his love for music is just great as he strongly believes that through music one can express your emotions and views and to communicate to the wider world.
The 27-year old star noted that in recent years there has been a breakthrough especially with the numbers of young artists going out for international concerts adding that that is a step in the right direction.

"I think the music industry is moving steadily but there is need for youngsters to develop their vocal skills. I want to tell my fans to expect good stuff from me,"he said.

And guess what? Preacher has just introduced a new dance style called "Ngosi-Ngosi" another Wollof parlance meaning “weeding” which earned him more fans especially within the neighborhood he hails from.
So be on the lookout for this much-anticipated album.

Amie Cherry, another Banjul – born female musician in the making, started music at a tender age endowed with fluid voice and exceptional stage presence.

Speaking in an interview with ‘Entertainment’ recently at the City Limits Radio Station, Amie Cherry said that she is involved in music and at the same time is an actress and a radio presenter. Some of the singles she has produced are presently enjoying prime airplay on local radio stations and television, prominent among them are president promotion, HIV and AIDS, and girl child education, respectively. Owing to lack of financial support, The Banjul-born musician has still not released an album.

Comparing Gambian artists with their Sensgalese counterparts, Amie Cherry calls on all Gambians to join hands and support their Gambian artists. Touching on the congress which was held at the Paradise Suites Hotel, the female musician said the aim of the congress is to bring all artists in the country together as one. She advised those artists who normally copy their own counterparts’ songs to desist from such practices and to create their own music. She however pointed out that all cannot be musicians but instead some can look to other things.

Amie Cherry went further to thank the Gambian leader for supporting Gambian artists noting that if others emulated the president, then the music industry would not face the difficulties it is now facing.

In an effort geared towards promotion, development and preservation of arts and culture in The Gambia, Africa and the world at large, a  music production  centre called,’’Wannabi’’ Stars Production Enterprise is set to be established in the country.

This rare arts and music production centre, once  established and fully operational,  will serve as a warehouse for the country’s arts and music industry.

It will be exclusively used for exploring the potentials of the country’s upcoming and talented artists.

Mr Abdoulie Ngum, a  renowned Gambian musician, who is the proprietor and coordinator of the prestigious Teranga  Beach Club in Kololi, made this revelation in a recent chat with the Arts & Culture anchor man.

Mr Ngum noted that the project will  comprise of creative, talented, and enthusiastic  experts in the world of  arts and music.

Mr Ngum said the enterprise will, among other things, serve as a rehearsal centre for musicians throughout the length and breadth of the country. The project  would be used  to nurture talents and make maximum use of potentials in the country’s arts and music  industry.

Abdoulie Ngum further revealed his working relations with some UK partners on the project. He added that they are on the verge of going to the UK on a working visit for one to two weeks to enable them to acquire the necessary equipment for the project.

”The visit will enable us to conduct inspections and  purchase the required artistic and musical equipment for the project,’’ Mr Ngum said.

According to the Teranga Beach Club proprietor, the said artistic music equipment will be purchased from a company called the Midland music services and PT Relations Limited, based in the UK.

He expressed optimism about the progress and possible contributions of the project towards development, promotion and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in the country.