The Gambia’s International reggae dancehall star, Omsla Baru, still remains a big reggae dancehall star in the United Kingdom, according to reports reaching What’s On.

 He is working day in day out to hit the international spotlight. Omsla used to live in Finland where he recorded, performed and worked with different musicians. He now lives in London, England, where he recorded his debut album "One Step" which was released in August 2006.

The sprouting reggae dancehall star’s music is a mixture of African, reggae and hip-hop vibes. He calls it "planet vibes". He is presently working independently thereby giving room to any producer or record label interested to work with him.

He recorded his first album in London with Calvin Smith, a Jamaican sound engineer who has worked with big name artists in the reggae world. The album was a hit with tunes that attracted the attention of reggae enthusiasts.

The young reggae dancehall sensation also recorded two music videos for his first two singles from the album "Xekh" and "In my world" which did well in The Gambia.
During Jaliba Kuyateh's tour of the UK, Omsla was on the road with him to promote his debut album.

He did a wonderful collaboration with The Gambia’s kora maestro called "Don't Give Up" which is included in his album.

Interestingly this soundtrack later became a hit in Banjul, taking the entire music industry by storm when it was released. Despite being busy on his music business and recording new songs, the young star has made numerous TV appearances and his music is always played on different radio stations in both The Gambia and Senegal.

The third edition of the World Festival of Black Arts (WFBA), has been scheduled for December 2009 , Dakar.
This rare theatre gathering will bring together prominent artist,musicians and custodians from all parts of the globe, especially from Africa .

The third edition of the World Festival of Black Arts on the theme “African Renaissance’’(WFBA) is an initiative of president Abdoulie Wade of Senegal .
The programme is geared towards the remobilisation of the cultural diversity of Africa and the diaspora as part of efforts to promote and preserve the spirit of long lasting development in  Africa and the world at large.

The objective  of the WFBA cultural theatre is to  examine the cultural heritage of the black world with special reference to Africa in terms of material and immaterial formats, to reaffirm the role of artists and intellectuals in the African Renaissance, to promote the spirit of better protection and the wider distribution of artistic and cultural works of the black world,to also celebrate the intellectual, artistic and literary identity and creativeness of the creators of Africa and the diaspora,to offer conditions of expression to the creative artists of the black world. The platform will encourage them to unite together in a way to help them make their contributions to the implementation of the New Partnership for African Development ( NEPAD).

The festival is expected to be characterised by numerous activities in the name of promoting the spirit of arts and culture. Key activities such as a symposium on the African Renaissance, performances, exhibitions and also disciplines such as painting, photography, sculpture, fashion design and hairdressing, cinema and video, theatre, literature, architecture (exhibition of models) among other topical issues affecting the promotion, development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in  Africa and the world at large.

The first edition of the world Festival of Black Arts (WFBA), was held in Dakar, Senegal in  April 1966 with the theme ‘’The significance of Black Arts in the life of the people and for the people’’. The second edition was held  in Lagos and Kaduna, Nigeria from January 15 to February 12, 1977 with the theme “Black Civilisation and Education’’.

There was a vacuum in the organisation of the World Festival of Black Art (WFBA) from the last edition in 1977. As a result of the unprecedented development, the Senegalese president, Maitre Abdoulie Wade in accordance with the mandate of the Conference of African Ministers of Culture, held in Dakar in 1980 on the recommendations that, Dakar, Senegal will be the host for the third edition of the world Festival of Black Art (WFBA) from the 1st to 21st December 2009. The Republic of Senegal, in line with its renown as the land of vocation blessed with creative minds both in Africa and Diaspora will host the event on the theme  “Africa Renaissance’’.

According to information relayed to the Arts and Culture anchorman from the Organising Committee of the World Festival of Black Art (WFBA), President Abdoulie Wade, as the initiator of the third edition of WFBA has tasked himself with strong enthusiastic commitment and involvement in the pre-occupation of the black world in the third millennium.

The released stated that the president strongly believes that the much talked about unification of Africa and the creation of solid links with the diaspora as it was the case with renowned prominent Pan-Africanist in the likes of William Dubois,  Langston Hughes, Cheikh Anta Diop, Kwame Nkrumah.

 It added that disciplines such as music, both traditional and modern, dance, also both traditional and modern, visual arts, handicrafts, literature, and theatre will be open for competition to the participants.

Commenting further on the series of sideline attractions to the forthcoming World Festival of Black Art (WFBA),the release issued from the Organising Committee stated that a series of sub-committees were set up such as the General Coordination, which comes under the authority of Mr Alioune Badara Beye, president of Senegalese Writer’s Association under the supervision of the ministry of Culture and Heritage.

This committee, the dispatch noted, is also comprised of the other committees.
. Mr Alioune Badara Beye, the president of Senegalese Writer’s Association and head of the Dakar delegation to Banjul, speaking at a recent press briefing held at the Ocean Bay Hotel in Cape point, Bakau, described the 1st to 21st December 2009 World Festival of Black Art (WFBA) as a step in the right direction.

“It’s an event that would draw participants from all parts of Africa and the world at large. It will cement and strengthen the existing relations between countries of diverse cultures and religions. It’s a celebration of arts and culture in Africa and the world at large,’’ he told reporters.

Mr Beye spoke at length on the significance of the WFBA, its impact on Africa in terms of political, cultural, socio-economic and human  development. He made special reference to the role of press, artists, both performance and visual arts. He took the opportunity to explain that activities marking the WFBA will be soon start and also gave brief backgrounds of the functions of different commissions set up at individual country level.

He added that the Gambia is a strategic partner in the organisation of the festival.
“The Gambia is our first port of call, we really value The Gambia’s contribution to this continental arts and culture festival,’’ he said.

The festival goes a long way in the promotion, development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in Africa and the world at large. He made a trilling tribute to what he called the pan-African spirit of President Dr Yahya Jammeh in the development of arts and culture in The Gambia, Africa and at global level.

Mr Momodou Joof, executive director of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), who chaired the press briefing, seized the opportunity to express gratitude to the founders of the WFBA.

The NCAC boss gave a brief historical background of the WFBA, its objectives and what the future holds for it on the African continent as well at the global level. Mr Joof described arts and culture as important in human, political and socio-economic development of any given country.
The press briefing included a question and answer session, which generated an intensive discussion.

Jah Bless, a solo Gambian artist, on Friday, presented copies of her debut album called ‘Joup’ meaning Honesty to Mr Abdoulie Sallah, secretary to the Cabinet for the Gambian leader President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh at a presentation held at the secretary to the Cabinet’s office at State House.

The gesture contained 40 compact discs containing 9 titles and 60 audio tapes containing 8 tracks, as well as a DVD compilation of 7 disks.

Presenting the album, Amie Jah Bless, expressed gratitude to the President Jammeh for funding the production of the debut album.

According to her, the President’s gesture came at a time when she doubted if the album would come out. Jah Bless added that Dr Jammeh is a source of inspiration for Gambian musicians.

Receiving the album on behalf of President Jammeh, Abdoulie Sallah, secretary to the Cabinet, hailed the young musician for turning the president’s gesture into such a worthy venture.  He noted that Amie is the fifth Gambian musician to benefit from the Gambian leader’s generosity. “The choice is yours.  The President has given you the financial support to improve your talent.  You should use the opportunity to explore your talent in a bid to become a prolific musician,’’ he said.

According to the cabinet secretary, the album “joup” is in line with the president’s principles of probity, transparency and honesty. Abdoulie Sallah urged Gambian musicians to be innovative and explore their talents in a bid to become successful musicians.

Momodou Joof, director general of the National Council for Arts and Culture, recalled that the young musician received a handsome amount of money from the president to produce her debut album.

According to Mr Joof, the president’s donation was a manifestation of his commitment to the development of Gambia’s music industry.

Bai Jack, Jah Bless’s manager said that the young musician is very ambitious and she is ever ready to explore her talent.  He thanked President Jammeh for his donation as it led to the production of the album.

Hassoum Ceesay, deputy permanent secretary, Office of the President, who is also the director of Press and Public Relations chaired the occasion.

Reports reaching What’s On  have indicated that The 2008 Upcoming Artist of the year awardee-Nancy Nanz will tomorrow Saturday the 21 June launch her debut album to be held at the Paradise Suites Hotel, Kololi.

The ceremony will be presided over by the first daughter Mariam Jammeh, the first child of his excellency President Yahya A J J Jammeh and the first lady Madam Zaineb  Jammeh commencing at 6:30 prompt.

Xalel -is an eight-track video CD - that is essentially dedicated to children, future leaders of any country. The album, which was released in December 2007, has since been widely appreciated by all and sundry within and outside the borders of The Gambia.

The launch will provide one of the best means and avenues for the exposure and success of an artist with a promising career.

Reports also have it that the ceremony will draw personalities from the public and private enterprises.

The young female star, performance will be backed by a live band and will award certificates of appreciation to deserving institutions and individuals in recognition of their support  and assistance in the productions and launching of his wonderful masterpiece album-Xalel.

In addition, the grand launching would also include a statement by Chief Guest of Honour, Mariam Jammeh, Hon. Nancy Njie, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture and as well as Gamcel Managing Director.

A group of musicians and comedians that will be on stage include Sambou Suso, MLK Twin Sisters, Talking Machine ,Ndings, Yusupha Ngum, Slam G Clan and The  Gambia’s Mbalax sensation, Pa Omar Jack- and the Senegalese renowned comedian -Sanehk.

There will also be a film show documentary  and drama performance by school children on the theme ‘benefits of music as  a career".

Remembered is the launching of Nancy Nanz debut album entitled Xalel don’t wait to be told.

The Alliance Franco-Gambienne (AFG) in Serrekunda was last Saturday turned into a music groove as Dembadu, a band which is based in Sukuta, churned out four hours of continuous music. With a wide repertoire of songs melodiously derived from the Afro-Mandingo sound, Dembadu has plunged the plubic into the glorious of Guelewar Jazz Band and Ifamondy Jazz Band.

Dembadu Band’s musicians powerfully expressed their creative potential with a tremendous musical power that swayed and moved the capacity audience till the early hours of Sunday morning.

Toul Berro and his friends treated the audience with a combination of diverse styles and traditions that appeared to have a soul. Despite the fact that Gambia’s musical identity has been diluted with Mbalax, Dembadu Band certaintly constitutes the last citadel of hope.

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.

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.