GM State of Affairs

My 2013 piece of advise and all to The Gambian entertainment community

2012-12-31T07:53:00.000-08:00

My 2013 piece of advise and all as a concerned Hip hop head and a big fan of The Gambian entertainment circle:
If you are in this biz as an artist/musician, producer, artist manager etc... Working hard on stepping your game up both professionally and business-wise will be a wise and productive move towards achieving a commercial success or making profit off of your talent/skill...

Best believe that the climate of The Gambian entertainment scene is no longer as cloudy as it used to be, and it would be prudent to expand and reach out by taking advantage of the market as a serious business oriented artist instead of trying to grow big in one corner at the same time burning down bridges behind you at every turn. I believe it is only wise to grow and be repairing damaged bridges here and there as a businessman unless you are otherwise. In anything competition is good because it gives people choice or options and at the end of the day it isn't about who is ever ready to throw down but who makes wise chess moves to win or take the lion share of the market. It also goes without saying that music is big business! so its imperative to think business and not to think from the perspective of personal mixed feelings as a biz/development oriented artist.

KRS-One said HIP means an intelligent movement, relevant and up to date, but its like most often miss-interpret him, because what he meant is simply being innovative and aware of your immediate geographic setup and the world at large especially in the case of an independent Hiphopper who wants to be in control of his/her business. So being HIP is a necessity in creating and executing grand ideas that would impact and change the lives of many, and this is what the HOP stands for in essence.
Nuff said already.

As we are about to slide into 2013, long live GM music/entertainment scene and wishing y'all and myself a happy & prosperous new year.

Owning a property today will be the largest investment you will ever make

2012-11-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

Sky High Group Ltd is offering plots of land at Sanyang highway, Brufut-Wullinkama and Brufut - Madiana.

Owning a property today will be your largest investment you will ever make. Property value in The Gambia increases up to 30 percent annually.

Sanyang Estate (Highway Property):

20m by 20m = D175,000

20m by 18 = D 165,000

20m by 15m = D 150,000

for cash payment : 10 percent off

Payment plans are very relaxing and stress free.

Deposit D50,000 (negotiable)
Pay the rest at your convenience in 36 months with no interest

Brufut- Wullinka Estate (near Brusubi phase 1)

20m by 20m = D 300,000

Deposit 100,000 (negotiable)
Pay the rest at your convenience in 12 months

for cash payment : 10 percent off

Brufut Madiana Estate:

20m by 20m = D 120,000

20m by 25 = D 150,000

Pay the rest at your convenience in 24 months
For cash payment : 10 percent off

For more details please contact Sales & Marketing on +220 7016184 / 3444617
Email: kanteh26@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/skyhighgroupltd
website: www.skyhighltd.com

Buy a poroperty at an unbeatable prize now

2012-10-15T08:50:00.002-07:00

Property Sales!
Buy a property at an unbeatable prize now...

Here are some of the properties...

# A 30m by 30m plot of land at Lamin, The Gambia.

Close to the main highway.

Prize : 100, 000 dalasis

# A 115m by 89m plot of land/garden at Mandinari, The Gambia.

near theTendaba Coconut Lodge and Mandinari River Lodge

Prize: 300,000 dalasis

# A 50m by 50m plot of land at Mandinari, The Gambia

Its in the middle of the town.

Prize: 300,000 dalasis

# A 35m by 35m plot of land at Mandinari, The Gambia.

Next to the football field.

Prize: 100,000 dalasis

We sell houses in hot spot areas in The Gambia.

Contact authorized agent on +220 701 61 84

Ifreecan: The story of a natural born artist/photographer

2012-10-15T08:06:00.001-07:00

Caramo Fanta Camara dotingly known as Ifreecan or Free is a natural born artists born to Gambian parents in the city of Lleida, Spain. He won his first drawing competition (Premi de Belles Arts de Lleida) when he was in grade two followed by another at grade four and another in a summer camp drawing competition at the age of eight.
Growing up in Spain, football was apart of him and has served as captain of his school team and FC Gardeny, a local club in Lleida he played for and winning four championships titles. At the age of eleven he did his first graffiti under the pen name 'Mano'. Growing up in Spain, Ifreecan had an obsession for Arts,paintings, graffiti, sculpture, Hip hop, photography and art works by great artists like Picasso, Salvador Dalis, Michelangelo and the likes. By the time he was thirteen he became addicted to art galleries, museums and graffiti works which automatically became his source of inspiration to start doing his work in his own way. During summer he would spend most of his time on the river side of the city where he was born, where giants cement walls were the concreate canvas graffiti artist all over the city use to go and do their 'graffs' on.

In 2000 after the untimely demise of his father, his family sent him and his brother to the Gambia “against their will” to learn the norms and values of a Mandinka setting. And during their stay he learned how to speak Mandinka, Wolof and English for a decade. According to Ifreecan, 'during the hash years with sickness he spent in The Gambia tired of being pointed out because of his first time in Africa and his Spanish accent; music became his chill pill and he improved his English listening to Hip hop records and writing poetry as a hobby. “To be honest! Music saved my life when I was depressed especially when my paps passed away” said Caramo himself.

Between the year 2007 and 2008 while in the Gambia, he did some work at Katchikally Crocodile Pool Gallery, where he learned valuable lessons from Eddie Jobe and Sam to push his paintings and to create the essence in his painting the urban and africanised side of him. Ifreecan also played a vital role in the Gambian Hip hop community, he did T-shirt printings, murals, graphic designs, graffiti works, album covers, posters, photo shootings for rap groups in Gambia like La Cosa Nostra, DTE, Street Dreams, Super Biggy, Sir X,Hot Bda sufi and many more with no strings attached. His works are visible in Senegal, Spain Including an underground upcoming clothing companies in Europe like SILENCIO in Holland, R.U.C (Represent Ur Country) UK. This year just for the love of Hip hop he also contributed to a clothing company called Kunta Kinteh fabrics of freedom.

From 2006 to 2009, Ifreecan sold twenty painting to a gallerist in South Africa, others inSenegal to the late art dealer Morr Seck and other series of ten paintings to Malik Camara, a professor at the university of Chicago and a professional dancer at the Muntu Dance Group. In a world of technological advancement, he also sells paintings,exposes his Photography work,and sculptures via facebook and his web page and i have sold more than thirty paintings including the Gambian market as well.

Just like many artists, prior to his return to Spain to participate in art expositions and seminaris. he has also gone through some level of exploitation in The Gambian galleries during his plight to explore new ways of artistic expressions to establish his own gallery - IFREECAN and his artistic ideology in life by adding African style, a graffiti to his Spanish urban style, philosophy and self knowledge to his autodidact creative works and thinking.

His work is no national geographic style of thing.. with perfect beautiful landscapes, and all that, what Mr. Caramo Fanta Camara does is more artistic and conceptual in all angles; working by series and each series have its own concept. In an exposition in 2010, his works were celebrated and sponsored by the Museum of Palma de Mallorca (Museum es Baluard) and was featured on the news papers and art magazines in Spain.

As a passionate artist he has participated in many art expositions and worked with Antoni Socias, an artist/photographer who came all the way from Spain to see his works and later did an exposition with him titled “Mi otro yo con algunas contadicciones” (my other self with some contradictions) Antoni Socias and Caramo Fanta Camara. A project which explains a vivid picture of black and White trading places with each other. He has his own art company "Ifreecan Creative Mind Works" and is currently working on several pieces of paintings, sculptures, drawings and Hip hop related art works and projects to be exhibited at an art exposition on the 14 of November 2012 in Seville.

Here are some of his works

Title: "Power growing strong and hard to die like a baobab tree"

Title: “Mi otro yo con algunas contadicciones” (My other self with some contradictions) Antoni Socias and Caramo Fanta Camara.

"Sane Land Confusion"

from the unreleased series (Urbanized seeds)

"same unknown K"

For more about Ifreecan, check him on

https://www.facebook.com/ifree.can.3?ref=ts&fref=ts#!/caramo?fref=ts

Documentary DVD previewing Hot B Da Sufi's 'Hip Hop Still' upcoming album is out for grabs

2012-10-15T06:21:00.001-07:00

In a bid to market and promote his upcoming album 'Hip Hop Still,' the universal Hip hopper widely known as Hot B Da Sufi in collaboration with Artistik Music and Halam Studio recently dropped a short documentary DVD titled 'The making of the album Hip Hop Still'. The DVD according to Hot B is basically to give his audience/fans the opportunity to get a little bit taste of his upcoming album, the people behind the scene, interviews in the studio with his manager
Abdallah, Halam Record's producer and others in the package.

Speaking to GM SoA in an interview, the Hip hop act added that the DVD is out for free to promote his album in the making due to be released sometime next year. The shooting of the documentary according to the Hip hopper began before the month of ramadan and has been going well ever since he started working with Artistik.

The album according to Hot B Da Sufi has been in the kitchen since December 2010 taking his time - "because i don't rush or do fast food music, i go with good food, something international you know what i mean. I give the people what they deserve because they have been waiting for Hot B for a while now and they need something hot and classic".

The first single off the upcoming album was 'Banj Len' and the video was premiered on 2011 followed by 'Back to the Cypher' which was released prior to holy month of Ramadan basically to bring artistes from the Hip hop community together, and his third promotional single 'So Classic' was released lately and the video shooting was done on wednesday 10th of October 2012 with most scenes shot on top of Gambisara Building on Kairaba avenue.

Hot B Da Sufi in his on words said: 'the album (Hip Hop Still) is going to be international because the songs are immortal and they are going to be here forever! Inside the album, we have artistes from Canada, US and Europe'. this album is also going to be professional one from A-Z, no amateur thing, from the music production to the videos, graphic design and all that because am only working with professionals like Artistik and Tra a.k.a Zapp of Halam Records to
take his album international because am trying to do something that will cross the border straight up".

Hot B who started rhyming since 1997 is a Gambian by nationality and a Hip hop fanatic who has never tried making a mixtape but albums only. As a Hip hop artiste, he believes that making mixtapes are easy but albums are different and not like downloading beats off the internet to wrap it up. "i don't normally spit on downloaded beats because am a beat maker LOL". Hot B noted.

His first album "Love and Peace Senegambia" was released on March 24th 2007 in both The Gambia and Senegal, and since then he has been working hard doubling his credentials in the Senegambian Hip hop community. His second album "Just for the love" was a free download album released on October 2010 to quench the hip hop lovers thirst. Since then Da Sufi has leveling the ground for his "Hip Hop Still" album.

The emcee also took the opportunity to send couple of words to the artistes on the issue of employing professional ethics to thrive in bigger markets. "we have love and unity now but professionalism is lacking and we need to work on that inorder to go international" he added

Manding Morry Academy of Music holds an orientation with its first batch

2012-10-15T05:52:00.001-07:00

On Saturday the 15 of September, the Manding Morry Academy of Music held an orientation with its scholarship awardees to break down the academy’s line of curricular activities, rules and regulations and what is expected of the freshmen about to begin the twelve months professional training programme in mid October this year.
Speaking at the orientation at Alliance Francaise Gambienne, the Director of the academy, Ibrahim Ceesay pointed out the significance of the training programme which he said came as a result of the pressing need to empower the players of the music industry to be able to earn a decent living, to teach students how to play music instruments to be in a better position to compete internationally and also to expose the music industry on an international market.
The music academy which will be launched in October is the first of its kind in the Gambia which many people have longed for to serve as a basis to change the status of the entertainment industry. Mr. Ceesay further urged the scholarship awardees to make best use of this opportunity to build a brighter future for the music industry. “This is a is a pilot programme and we are experimenting with you guys to see if it will work. So the future of the school lies in your” Ceesay added.
Among the high table members is Mr. Oko Drammeh, the veteran music impresario/consultant congratulated the first batch of the academy on his part said “the purpose of the music school is to train you guys to be competitive in the international market”. Mr. Drammeh whom much is expected of during the training programme pointed out the vast amount of raw talents in the country with no background in music knowledge and said that his role in the academy is to encourage, guide and teach music business and administration; and to make sure that at the end of the programme the Gambia exchange catalogues with England, Nigeria and the likes to serve as a source of revenue for the country. “The surname of music is business that’s why you will be taught music business and administration” said Mr. Drammeh. He also called on the scholarship awardees to pay much attention to the programme and be discipline as it will curb youth unemployment at the end of the day.

Tara, a giant record producer/studio engineer reiterated the importance of discipline in the academy as the first basis to achieve the desired goals at the end of the programme. Tara who will be teaching music theory, studio recording and music instruments in the academy took the time to explain the importance, which he said will boost their level of music communication and knowledge in international market.
Bankie Grey-Johnson, media consultant/adviser on his part called on all and sundry to put all heads together in order to make a change and delved into aspect of marketing the music to realize the dreams of the music industry players. “This is the opportunity to see the Gambia’s future if we are discipline and put a lot of effort into it” he said.
Ms. Onikeh Mendy, among the panel of Judges/ choir doyen appealed to the academy freshmen to be original in anything they do and bid farewell to imitation.
Muhamed Sumareh, official of music academy/ Music consultant thanked the judges for the wonderful job done in selecting eligible applicants for the academy and also took the floor to applaud Mr. Ibrahim Ceesay for the realization of the country’s long term dream of music school and described him as a young Gambian contributing towards national development.
The orientation began with prayers followed by an interactive introduction done in a musical format by the participants and members at the high table.

The Talibe of Hip hop who graduated to double as the 5 Star General and the The Rap Justice

2012-09-05T18:53:00.004-07:00

His love for Hip hop is unquestionable that most people often regard him as the “Five Star General” of The Gambian music industry. Batch Samba Ngum widely known as “Sir X”, is the PRO of a youth empowerment organization ( YENET) and a Hip hopper who grew up in the biggest cosmopolitan town of Bundung in the Kanifing Municipality. He fell in love with the art as a cultural movement when he was just in his seventh grade. In a couple of years later, the passion compelled him to start rocking shows for fun during weekends and hanging around record stores. In the early days of his 'coming up' days, he recorded his demo on a tape cassette for his listening pleasure and of his friends, not knowing he would one day be in the position of a 'Talibe' of Hip hop doubling as the 'Rap Justice' and the 'Five Star General' of rap music.

In 2005, he dropped a single produced by the late M.J (R.I.P) Titled “Warrior’s Breathe” which served as the melting point for his wordplay game as rapper/emcee and of course sending a strong signal to the die-hard soldiers of Hip hop; to continue the tradition of being the mouth piece of the community. Prior to his single, the general has been working with a Bundung based underground rap group called “Nubian Soljaz” where they worked on many songs prior to his first single in 2005 feeding the addiction of the Hip hop enthusiasts. He writes his own songs and loves to advocate social conscious issues and burning issues through Hip hop culture and thus conveying his feelings, thoughts and emotions through the art of rapping.

As a 'rap Justice' and a 'Five-Star General', he has participated in different projects like the DK-BJL compilation, Nun Ak Yen compilation (Senegal) Dream Your Future Drama soundtrack/album, Buga Dem (illegal migration anthem) Jambarr (U-17 song) and also been widely featured on couple of Gambian Hip hop acts most especially Poetic X, , Hot B, Omid Wisdom, Killa Ace and Grandiz Kroo among others. He belong to a community base Hip hop movement known as “BC Movement” where he spend most his time recruiting young talents.

Royal Messenjah and Baba Blood to raise the Gambian flag in Senegal

2012-09-05T05:57:00.001-07:00

The duo left for the neighboring Senegal to attend the annual event organized by ‘Hot Sauce’ in Sokone, Senegal. Royal Messenjah and Baba Blood are one of the country’s most crafted and brilliant reggae heads. The “I cry” and “Gambian musico nyato dorong” hit makers are will be on a two week musical mission to put the Gambia on the entertainment map in various shows to be held in Kaolack and other places in Senegal, and thus to ease their plight to export their works across the border. According to Messenjah ‘we are going to use this opportunity to promote our up coming albums in Senegal and do some collaborations and networking with other artists and musicians there to bring about everlasting relationship between the two countries’ He said.

Royal Messenjah is widely respected in Senegal and this is the fifth time he have been going to grace the annual event with fellow Gambian artists as a grand patron of the music movement which was named after ‘Hot Sauce’ a reggae artists movement in the Gambia.

Royal Messenjah is recently doing final touches on his debut album due to come out soon with Baba Blood producing most of the songs and giving vocal assistance like a brother’s keeper. In two weeks time, the two young reggae heads will come back to the Gambia to put the remaining “explosive works in progress” together.

FIILA anniversary: The story

2012-06-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

On Friday June 1 Blank Lynx and Mediamatic celebrated the third year anniversary of the popular entertainment TV show in the Gambia known as Filla at Jakarlo, Senegambia. By 1 a.m the presenters of the Fiila TV show, Xmylz and Blacka colourfully walked on stage with an hyper interactive approach to start off with official opening, followed by Fanta who sang the national anthem which led to the first performance by Humanity Starz Band injecting doses of undiluted homemade Mbalax songs to the crowd. Prior to the opening, a handful of acts like Silky, P. Mo, New Era, among others held down the freestyle session with DJ Alieu B flooding the place with powerful instrumentals warming up the crowd for the great show they are about to witness like taking a swig on a bottle of Youki.

The night featured the country’s popular youthful entertainers like Jalimadi Afro manding sensation soothing the crowd with “Masanneh Ceesay”. The” Liv it Up “ hit maker Sing -A- Teh was also in the mix with a midget on stage with awesome dance moves tearing the whole place apart. One of Gambia’s reggae heads, Benjamin from Brix did an inspiring performance with his crew. A popular rap star Gee, made the best performance of the night, when Sandeng of Humanity Starz walked on stage serenading the crowd with “Yow La Buga” hook, the whole crowd turns into a firework of screams and massive crowd’s overpowering desire to see Gee lingering somewhere offstage right before he gently walked on stage to be engulfed by the satisfaction and love shown by the crowd, followed by New Era and Cyco on the song “Nakala”. Camera phones, photographers, were everywhere trying to take a clear shot and the crowd singing along. The ShyBoy Entertainment artiste, Brokay who recently have made name for himself from his popular song “Sunkuto” hyper activated the crowd reaction with incredible comic lines “Jang kang nganya” with the Humanity Starz Band giving him all he musical energy. Another regular of the show, BK City also add spice to the show. The show lasted with Humanity Starz Band backing almost all the artistes.

Fiila TV show which is broadcasted on the national television every Monday presented by Xmylz and Blacka has gave the entertainment industry a new facelift, adopting the culture of showcasing, celebrating and appreciating the flavor of local juice or talent towards building a productive industry. The TV show is produced by Haruna Drammeh and Waagan since its inception promoting local talent.

Music enthusiasts who expressed their delight over the innovative TV show added that its a step towards building favorable artistic environment to cater for all genres emerging in The Gambia. Another keen follower of the Gambian music regarded Fiila TV show crew as “contributors in nation building”

Fiila celebrates third anniversary in colouful musical style

2012-06-07T06:17:00.002-07:00

Friday the 1st of June will for a very long while remain indelible in the minds of music lovers in The Gambia. 1st Black Lynx and mediamatic celebrated the third year anniversary of the popular entertainment and music hit TV show - FIILA. It all came down at Jakarlo, Senegambia. The arena was filled to the brim by excited fans eager to be thrilled by The Gambian music stars and television entertainment impresarios- the FIILA crew.

The event which was supported by Africell and Youki featured performances by Humanity Starz Band injecting doses of undiluted homemade Mbalax songs to the crowd, but not before a handful of acts like silky, P. Mo, New Era among others held down the freestyle session with DJ Alieu B. flooding the place with powerful instrumentals. There was also great comedy and lots of fun.

BINZY: The Big Momma of Rap

2012-06-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

Binzy, a young female rapper from Fajikunda ripped the "Rep your Ghetto" show part 1. organized by Down Home records on saturday, the 2nd of June. The show featured many Hip Hop artistes but it was Binzy's raw G-style performance that stole the show. She started by rapping on a hard, Hip hop instrumental claiming that Hip Hop is in Fajikunda. watch out for her! Today will keep you posted about binzy straight out of Fajikunda.

The Gambia Music Union gets a new executive

2012-06-07T05:50:00.006-07:00

The Gambia music union on Thursday, the 24th of June 2012, inaugurated a new executive that will oversee both the activities of the union, as well as the welfare of its members. This was at the union's congress at Alliance Francaise.

The congress which brought together the artiste community and the NCAC officials is geared towards fostering unity and cooperation within members. Dr. Oliver Mboge, a musician became the president of the Gambia music union. Sambou Suso, Yusupha Ngum and Njie B, were made vice presidents I, II, and III respectively. Other members of the new Executive are Kalilu Banja: Secretary -General, Saikou Dibbasey (a.k.a omid Wisdom) Asst. Secretary-General and Yasally Njie of West Coast Radio: PRO.

The new president. Mboge, thanked the members of the union for entrusting him with the responsibility of the union and promised to adhere to the union's constitution. He also pledged to stir the affairs of the Gambia Music Union towards the path of progress. The new executive members are expected to work hard to curb the myriad of challenges facing the union presently. The NCAC officials emphasized on copyright issues, and urged the artistes to register their original works so that they can be protected when the collecting socities start collecting royalties.

Gambian artistes like Bala Ranks, Sambou Suso, Yusupha Ngum, Sir X, Hot B, Bilal, Tam50, Mighty Joe, Papa Lengthy, Sambou, Nova, Chess, Alieu of Humanity Band, Nasi B, and a host of other artistes graced the congress.

ENTERTAINMENT TIT BITS

2012-06-07T05:47:00.002-07:00

HOME COOK FREESTYLE COMPETITION FINAL

On Saturday, the 9th of June, Speed Rebel will face Brain Kracka in the Home Cook Freestyle Rap Competition from 9pm to 11pm. The freestyle competition which commenced on 10th February 2012 at Capital FM with 13 mostly underground rappers is now left with the two rappers for the final showdown.

At the end of the competition on the 9th of this month, one of the two Rap music acts ( the winner ) will have secured a recording deal from Negrophil Recordz, a video clip, plus cash prices courtesy of Killa Ace (controversial Hip Hop emcee). A show will be also be staged at the winner's neighbourhood or place of choice. The Home Cook Freestyle competition is the first of its kind in The Gambia. The idea is to help expose and support upcoming music acts.

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Humanity Band is now Humanity Starz

The lead vocalist of the Starz made the announcement on stage after their performances on Friday June 1 at Jakarlo during the FIILA third anniversary concert.

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Places to hang out this weekend!

Do you want to enjoy live band music right in the heart of Kairaba Avenue? Alright, the place to be is Timeless Restaurant.

Friday June 8

Five Star Band live! At Timeless Restaurant on Kairaba Avenue.

Saturday June 9

Chameleon Band offers the best of Salsa music live! At Timeless Restaurant

Killa Ace's "Lyrical Assassination" mixtape coming on DVD real soon

2012-06-07T05:30:00.003-07:00

On Tuesday, the 5th of June, Killa Ace broke the news of his impending mixtape entitled "Lyrical Assassination". The work, according to the Rap sensation, will be out on DVD very soon. The rapper dropped the hint in a chat by Bilal on Hip Hop On the Bench radio show on Unique FM.
Killa Ace or Alibaba is one of the country's most outspoken Hip Hop emcees. He had released a mixtape on CD last year, which did, and is still receiving many thumbs up by the Hip Hop Headz. During the interview he also said that Hip Hop is under attack and lots of people are trying to discredit the image of Hip Hop. The DVD is expected to be released real soon in The Gambia.

The power of newspaper

2012-05-21T05:10:00.003-07:00

“As a writer, write as if you are writing for your children or for the next 50 years to come” – Hassoum Ceesay

History has it that, Newspapers has been with us way back during the British colonial days from 1870s onwards like Bathurst Times, West African Gazette, Gambia Intelligencer, Bathurst Observer , Gambia Outlook, Gambia Onward, Nation newspaper all the way to the modern day business oriented newspapers. It goes without saying that, newspapers provide us with history of events that took place ages ago and current affairs.
In a chat with Hassoum Ceesay, he said newspapers serve as the first choice for researchers in gathering reliable information and provide up to date information on historical events which is why the NCAC have been collecting newspapers for the national archives since the 1980s to serve as a source of reliable information centre for future use.
According to Hassoum Ceesay, a historian/writer and the director of copyright, NCAC, the three major newspapers in the country were Gambia Outlook which started publications from 1922 to 1992 by Edward Francis Small, Gambia Onwards by R.S Allen from 1966 to 1994 and Nation newspaper by William Charles Dixon from 1965 to around 1998. All this papers are now extinct but the copies are kept in the archives
He went on to say that this is why it is imperative for Writers/reporters to forego leaving out some details they thought is not new to the people, and write as if they are writing for their own children (future researchers, PhD degree research works etc) in the next fifty years, to be able to feel in the blanks about the current things happening, companies, places, people etc that might be a rare information or extinct.
“What is in print is a gold mine” but the problem with some writers these days is they only think of the present day not tomorrow and underestimate their impact; whiles people are out there ready to make money off of their works.

NCAC's copyright director urges creators to register their works

2012-05-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

Hassoum Ceesay, the director of copyright at the national center for arts and culture (NCAC) made a clarion call to Gambian artists, musicians, photographers, film makers, painters, dramatists, producers etc to come and register their works like albums, DVDs, books and other creative works to be protected.
Addressing journalist at the NCAC conference room, the director said the copyright law has been with us since 2004 to protect Gambian artists and artistic works, and continued to underscore the importance of copyright towards building a more productive and job creating industry for the artists. He noted that several sensitization programs with stakeholders and training workshops have been made on copyright issues funded by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) , and that the Gambia has also join the West African copyright network which brings together West African countries.
According to the copyright director, the NCAC is mandated by the law to establish an office to register the creative works of Gambians. In 2003, the president of the republic signed the NCAC act 2003 which says “Television and radio services shall promote Gambian arts and culture through their programmes and, accordingly, shall apportion not less than seventy percent of the total time allocated to music programmes to advancing Gambian music”.
Copyright which is an intellectual property law enacted by countries to give owner(s) of an original works exclusive rights in forms of poems, theses, plays, other literary works, movies, dances, musical compositions, audio recordings, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, software, radio and television broadcasts, graphic designs and industrial designs etc. In the Gambia where Intellectual Property is understood by few and entitled to all forms of abuses, Mr. Ceesay took it upon himself to sensitize the public especially those in the area of literature, performing, and fine arts about the benefits of registering works.
IMPORTANCE OF COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
1- To proof ownership of copyright
2-The registration will be used by The Gambian collecting societies to collect royalties/monies from radios, hotels, TV, clubs, etc for the creators/owners.
3-The collecting societies set rates for royalties
4-It improves the financial status of artists/owners

Trobul Smallz and Gee engage in lyrical warfare

2012-05-04T03:55:00.003-07:00

The word on the streets for the past week is who is the most credible and baddest lyricist? Is it Gee or Trobul Smallz? Lately music lovers in Gambia and beyond are engulfed by the lyrical warefare known in the Hip Hop circle as “BEEF” between Gee and Musico's finestTrobul Smallz, both well recognized in the entertainment circle.

Gee well known for his lyrical powerhouse threw a bone to the fans and recorded a track titled ''Gee Dusa Morom'' sticking to his pen game as required by the codes of the game (Beef/battle) expressing himself in a song dissing Musico's Trobul Smalls who on the onset seems to ignore the commotion created by Gee and his pro-active fans calling him all sorts of names and all that.

Smallz who is the father of BK City played the laid back manner and instead gave the greenlight to 'Mafia'' one of his younger spitters who came up with a diss song most favorable by Trobul's fans titled ''Gay Baby''.

At the moment, the two GM acts are like magnetic fields grabbing attention from all corners on the board.

Gee replied back with another song ''Bul Daw'' which literally means “Dont flee the fight” and flips the whole lyrical battle to an unending Manjago fight. And now the followers of the beef are looking forward to Trobul's next troublelsome move.

There are so many excitement about the beef in every offices and street corners or bantabas, which according to many industry monitors and music lovers, could be very good for the music industry as it draws attention to the players involved in the arts field.

However, some fans seems to blow the whole beef thing out of proportion taking it personal. Lots of followers are urging the two acts to settle their personal differences and follow the rules of the game as required because at the end of the day the lyrical warfare is about earning respect and standing behind what you set out to do as a true Hip Hop artiste, not instigating hate among fans.

The Gambia's finest and internationally know DJ Pisces of Onetribe movement generously offered one hundred thousand dalasis to the winner of the lyrical warfare, who posted on his Facebook page that he has been waiting for a moment like this two years ago, and he is convinced that now is the right time to stir the music scene's hornet's nest.

CODE OF ETHICS

2012-05-02T11:37:00.001-07:00

First i will start off with one of my favorite quote.

"Let me say for the record, I am not a gangster and never have been. I`m not the thief who grabs your purse.I`m not the guy who jacks your car. I`m not down with the people who steal and hurt others. I`m just a brother who fight back." – Tupac Shakur

Thug's Code of ethics

A code of ethics for thugs is a code created by Tupac and Mutulu Shakur among other individuals sharing the same ideas or philosophies in 1992 to discourage black on black crime, rapes and killings in the communities. The code was specifically laid out and emphasized by Tupac Shakur a leader, an activist, a revolutionary and the most most influencial rapper among others had the vision of uniting people of the same cause together to give “better days” chance in the failing black communities. He has undoubtedly touched the lives of many from all walks of life and redefined the meaning of T.H.U.G L.I.F.E as opposed to the dictionary meaning of the word: The Hate U Give Little Infants F#ck Everybody. What Tupac was getting at, in few words was the society made them who they are and he came to realize that its was a setup, a system designed by white mainstream to keep blacks at bay in despair with twisted ideolgies. This has evidently led many resorting to self destruct measures just to get by: slanging or selling drugs, running trains on sisters, misogyny, killing etc. In essence he saw it fitting for those engaged in making their livelihoods etcetera on the streets to abide by the code of ethics or code of conduct for thugs to protect their essence and thus make those that do not support it to feel at ease in their communities. The following codes can be applied to different walks of life as well.

1. All new Jacks to the game must know: a) He’s going to get rich. b) He’s going to jail. c) He’s going to die.

2. Crew Leaders: You are responsible for legal/financial payment commitments to crew members; your word must be your bond.

3. One crew’s rat is every crew’s rat. Rats are now like a disease; sooner or later we all get it; and they should too.

4. Crew leader and posse should select a diplomat, and should work ways to settle disputes. In unity, there is strength!

5. Car jacking in our Hood is against the Code.

6. Slinging to children is against the Code.

7. Having children slinging is against the Code.

8. No slinging in schools.

9. Since the rat Nicky Barnes opened his mouth; ratting has become accepted by some. We’re not having it.

10. Snitching is not tolerated.

11. The Boys in Blue don’t run nothing; we do. Control the Hood, and make it safe for squares.

12. No slinging to pregnant Sisters. That’s baby killing; that’s genocide!

13. Know your target, who’s the real enemy.

14. Civilians are not a target and should be spared.

15. Harm to children will not be forgiven.

16. Attacking someone’s home where their family is known to reside, must be altered or checked.

17. Senseless brutality and rape must stop.

18. Our old folks must not be abused.

19. Respect our Sisters. Respect our Brothers.

20. Sisters in the Life must be respected if they respect themselves.

21. Military disputes concerning business areas within the community must be handled professionally and not on the block.

22. No shooting at parties.

23. Concerts and parties are neutral territories; no shooting!

24. Know the Code; it’s for everyone.

25. Be a real ruff neck. Be down with the code of the Thug Life.

26. Protect yourself at all times.

As his works continue to impact our lives, the least we can do is to respect his legacy and remember him for the greater good he stood behind during his lifetime on earth..

Gambia Music Union must shape up or ship out

2012-04-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

After taking charge of office as the director of literature, performing and fine arts, NCAC in March Mr. Sheikh Omar Jallow challenged the Gambia Music Union to start stirring up or give chance to others who can execute what is expected of them. In an interview, Mr. Jallow echoed his sentiments and said he is still doing a consultation work to find out the factors that led to the slackness of the music union. “I gave GAMU 90 days to start stirring up and make things happens instead of sleeping or else dissolve” he added
Mr. Jallow said the reason why they want the union to start stirring up is because they want copyright law to stand and the copyright law cannot stand without the collecting societies, and one of the fundamental stakeholder is GAMU.
The Gambia Music Union which was formed in May 2008 with the supposed objective of rounding all the Gambian musicians under one organized body and polish their status, and to set reasonable rates for their pay among others.This has prompted the NCAC to take necessary steps towards achieving that fundamental goal in building income earning artistic industry.
Jallow who has a new portfolio to solve the problem of promoting and protecting the interest of those engaged in the performing arts, reaffirmed his stand on the issue “the NCAC is on top of things at the moment and we are consulting with all stakeholders to see how to make things happen” he said.
He lamented that the NCAC will bring all heads together from all the stakeholders in the music scene, brainstorm and see what are the problems the industry is encountering and out of that report, a five year strategy plan will be put in place to guide them in stirring up the music industry.
The director of literature, performing and fine arts also said he will be there to help the music union in making sure things work out fine.
“If you cannot make things happen give chance to others because you cannot stay at the helm of power and not making things happen, its an institution not a personal property” he continued ringing bells.
It is most evident that recently the issue of why Gambian artistes are not been paid for their creative works of art has been a concern for many and needs the attention of all stakeholders to solve the issue.
“this is why a very organized institution like the Gambia Writers Association cannot collect their royalties and cannot do anything with copyright because their partners are not in place”. He further added
Jallow further emphasized that “there must be that sense of responsibility to be taken by all parties” and said the NCAC will continue to knock on doors to have extra funds they need but it does not mean without the funds they will not be able to execute their plans and they will be concentrating on capacity building areas as well which is one of the important areas they will look into when the strategic plan is drawn.

Hip Hop Headz Horizon Corner

2012-04-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

>> Linez from the gr8 teacha- KRS One <<

* Trust in God, that's where the crown is at. It's not in what you get, it's what happens after that.

* Your addiction to your needs and your wants is what causes problems in your life. Make sure you got watcha need. Put at a safe distance all the things that you want. It's what you want that gets you into trouble.

* You sleep with a man, that's your husband. So make sure before you lay down, you love him.

* Instead of picking up our women, ready to mistreat them, you better get yourself a wife and kid and never leave them.

* Rap is something you do Hip Hop is something you live.

* Better change your ways, we coming up on stranger days.

* Everyone and everything is at war, making my poetic expression hardcore.

* Trust in the inner, the outer is for sinners.
   Thanks for those linez Big man.



Now that being noted with pleasure, i will delve straight into sharing the little I have gathered and also looking forward to learn from the rest of the Hip Hop Headz fam with the passion for the fifth element or Hip Hop kulture so to speak. which is not necessarily the focal point though. I call it Horizon Corner.

***** Horizon Corner# hop in to widen the gaze on the windscreen. Like most Hip Hop Headz, am more interested in minds + creativity= benefits/knowledge to feed the insatiable taste for knowing and learning the art of sharing as well to uplift the mind-state in any little way possible *****

KRS One is more than a man I so much admire... Going through his works, lectures and all his activism campaigns in the black communities and the world at large, mein I feel something beyond the expression of words for being part and parcel of Hip Hop kulture as to how it impacted my life and whole perspective of my immediate surrounding and the world at large. Hip Hop is a culture you live, just like 2PAC did though he is often regarded as dwelling on violent lyrics but there is another side of the coin too- He waltz his way into the white mainstream "bursting through" at a time he felt calls for his actions and his own redefinition of a T.H.U.G in a more conceptual way countering "em crackers" making use of the art of war to break free and fight for social justice and craving to see change in black communities similar to Malcom X's and Che Guevara's own definition of REVOLUTION. "Somebody gotta explain why I ain’t got shit" 2Pac speaking here.

Am sure my brother P-a will shed light comprehensively on this area of the corner. He loves revolutionary figures and shares their ideals as well.

Now back to the lane, looking back at the past events you'd realize that most of the events surrounding slavery, injustice, suffering, poverty, disease, segregation etc has really influenced Hip Hop in many ways, and it is still evidently replicated in the works of different people from different cultures and background using Hip Hop to express what ever has to deal with change, education, upliftment, attitudinal change among others to prepare minds destined for greater things in life than being caged in our own minds in our own bodies.

In reality human being like taking excuses all the time to serve what ever purpose.

In light of that, authentic Hip Hop is often regarded as anti system/hardcore (to some it is=*boring*) but Hip Hop can teach us a whole lot of good things especially now more than ever, the changing world where only few cares about how we would tend to look at things and value things while buried in trying to put ends first before humanity. I believe Hip Hop can drive us to learn about self, surroundings, economy, religion and all the things that has to do with our planet and even beyond. Its not just about kicks and juice or whips and chains rap songs breeding another self destruct lifestyles ranging from the food and drinks being consumed, lavish lifestyle which stands for "live today while you can tomorrow is not promised to no one". Imagine that culture of thinking incorporated into the things that bear marks on us all on a daily basis. What happened to love and respect for self to be replicated into our immediate environments? nowadays things that used to be big deals are no longer big deals, (teenage pregnancy or casual sex, mode of dressing, respecting elders consent, gay tolerance, etc) why? well maybe what we take globalization, civilization development suppose to be is really taking a toll on the us in another way round and downgrading our sense of blackness which Hip Hop has continued to advocate, to learn about self first to before expressing self to know where you are heading.
Anywayz.. don’t wanna be no-it-all or do-gooder, the point is to raise such awareness in our everyday life and works of art most especially the most influential genre in the whole world (Hip Hop) than learning to be very good at turning a deaf ears to things that usually defeat our purpose.

Bizzare but real cool stuffs, jokes etcetera

2012-04-20T08:08:00.003-07:00

According to studies more left handed people alive today, than have ever died.

Actually more men than women are left-handed and the percentage of left handed people rise from 5% to 10% for period of last 100 years.

Left-handed person likely to die on average 9 years earlier than right handed counterparts.

Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand whilst drawing with the other. If you are not impressed, then try it for yourself. Left-handed people are more likely to be creative geniuses. Take a look at list of famous left handed people:

Albert Einstein

Isaac Newton

Leonardo Da Vinci

Pablo Picasso

Alexander the Great

Julius Caesar

Napoleon Bonaparte

Henry Ford

Lewis Carroll

Ringo Starr

Bobby Fisher and many other famous left handed people...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

No word in the English language rhymes with silver, month, orange or purple.
Over 2500 left handed people a year are killed from using products made for right handed people.
Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone.
Generally, a dog's mouth has fewer germs and bacteria than a human's mouth.
A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
Scissors were invented by Leonardo da Vinci.
Apples are more efficient than caffeine in keeping people awake in the morning.
The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. It was the fashion in Renaissance Florence to shave them off.
Mexico once had three presidents in one day.
Pope John XII and Attila the Hun both died whilst having sex.
Millions of trees are accidentally planted by squirrels that bury their nuts and then forget where they left them.

Jokes

Three things you must not hear the doctor speak in an operation theatre.

If this is the kidney and that is the liver, what the heck is this?
Now where is page 5 of the operation manual?
Shoo shooo! Black dog, come back with that piece, that’s not your dinner.

>> Question: Which day of the week is most hated by fish?
Answer: Fry Day

>> In an examination, a question was asked:
2K + K =?

The student wrote:
3000 bucks

>> Why is 10 afraid of 7?
ans= Because seven ate nine.

17 year old Gambian rhymer based in Sweden

2012-04-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Mambuna Njie, an upcoming Gambian Hip Hop Artist and a song writer based in Sweden fondly called villi started writing lyrics at the tender age of twelve, but never had the green light to record a song. However, he focused on his education since it is so vital in this materialistic world, and started getting real with it when he performed in front of 600 spectators in a concert and the crowd felt like diddn't get enough of him, and had to demand another performance. Villi is known in his area as a freestyle genius for spitting rhymes as they come in his head without writing them down.

Right after his high school graduation, he left for London, were he met a producer by the name Steve who welcomed his works and help him to produce couple of songs they've worked on together for his mix tape that was supposed to be released in London, but Villi later went back to Sweden to enroll in college at the same time working hard to become a better Hip Hop artist, practicing his vocal and writing skills.

Currently Villi is signed to So hard music group and have released a single titled “money gettin” produced by Nine Diamond and Adamack available on iTunes and all the digital outlets. His debut album I WANT IT ALL will most certainly speak for itself when it is dropped in Sweden sometime June 2012.

Villi also plays soccer very well and a big fan of Maybach music group, Mill, Wale and Big Sean are his favorites rappers, he said his goals are not to be like them but to be better than them which he is really working on as you are reading this.

Parliament retains Speaker, Deputy Speaker

2012-04-20T07:25:00.004-07:00

The house of parliament (National Assembly) yesterday held its first meeting of the fourth legislature in the second republic of The Gambia, which saw the former speaker and the deputy speaker unanimously elected to serve another term.

Speaker Abdoulaye Bojang and deputy speaker Fatou Mbaye were nominated and elected unopposed by the national assembly members.

The occasion was graced by the Speaker of the federal republic of Nigeria, the deputy speaker of Mauritania, Vice president and minister of women’s affairs of the country, Chief Justice, cabinet ministers, and well wishers among other dignitaries.

In accordance with the provision of section 97 (1) of the 1997 constitution of The Gambia, the duo sworn-in to renew their allegiance to serve national interest without fear, favor, affection or ill-will.

In his inaugural speech, Hon. Abdoulaye Bojang registered his allegiance and loyalty to the Gambian leader, president Jammeh , and thanked him for what he called, ‘the trust and confidence’ bestowed on him to serve the national assembly.

He also commended the members of the house for the unanimous election and for renewing their trust in him.

The speaker further assured the parliamentarians his continuous support and in welcoming their democratic ideas.

As representatives of the society, he urged the members to be dedicated to serve and promote supreme national interest, while underscoring the need for unity.

He also challenged them to put aside partisan politics and move the country forward, saying: “national interest should supersede individual and party interest.” He called on the members of the house to lead by example.

Hon. Bojang went on to thank those members who lost in their various constituencies and could not make it to the house for the hard work and support rendered to the parliament during their tenure.

Meanwhile, the Majority leader of the house, Honorable Fabakary Tombong Jatta was also unanimously re-elected to maintain his position, whilst the member for Niamina Dankunku, Honorable Samba Jallow was elected as the minority leader.

All the elected members and the nominated members of the house took their oath in office.

The nominated members included Honorable captain (rtd) Lamin K. Saine, Honorable Sainey Chatty, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, Honorable Aji Fatou Jeng and Honorable Babou Gaye Sonko.

At the end of the swearing-ceremony, a special dinner was hosted in honor of the visiting delegation of the Nigerian speaker and the deputy speaker of Mauritania at the Ocean Bay Hotel.

Author- Mariam Saine (TODAY Newspaper)

Tanje to host second regional open water swimming

2012-04-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Author- FATOUMATTA SAHO

In their drive to decentralize the sport of swimming across the country, the Gambia Swimming and Aquatic Sports Association will organized its second regional open water swimming competition in Tanjai west coastregion on the Saturday 21 of April 2012. The competition is open for male and female swimmers above the age of 14 years.

According to the Secretary General of the Association, Yoro Njie, this competition is purely restricted to swimmers living in the region, noting that other regions will equally have their chance to select their best swimmers for the national open water championship 2012.

Mr. Njie added that the interested swimmers should call the technical committee members and register, as late registration will not be considered.

He revealed that open water is both for the youngsters and old people in FINA's disciplines.

The aim and objectives of the competition, he said is to bring together all the swimmers in every region to demonstrate their marathon swimming skills, as this will help the association to scout out for good open water swimmers for the national open water team. “This will expand the membership of the association in all the regions, in anticipation of creating mass participation in swimming”.

“We also want to promote, encourage, organize and develop Open Water Swimming and other related aquatic activities in all the different regions of The Gambia, he said.

He said the championship will bust the morale and instill confidence and encourage in the young Gambians that love our beaches, Sunday beaches in particular, as this will reduce the number of deaths, fatal accidents registered during Sunday beach events and other beach activities.

The regional competition he said will provide opportunities for specialized marathon swimmers to start competing at the standardized FINA open water competition rules and regulations.

In Beijin, he said, swimming will be the fifth sport under the guardianship of the international swimming federation to join the Olympic family when the inaugural 10km marathon swim unfolds on August 20, 2008, but the journey actually began in ancient times.

GTTA identify youngsters for Sweden best table tennis camp

2012-04-20T05:39:00.005-07:00

Author- FATOUMATTA SAHO

The Hopes championship tournament organized by the Gambia Table Tennis Association was meant to Identify two youngsters who were born in 2001,the championship was played among eleven male participated in a round robin competition of ten matches, out of which one was selected while five female contested out of which one was selected through their performance.

Fatou Gassam a grade 6 student of Bakau Newtown Primary and Ebou Sowe a grade 5 student of Bakau Newtown Primary made it though after battling it out with other students from different schools.

Speaking to this reporter, the technical director of table tennis, Mr. Surakatu Adebayo Gafar Abdoul, revealed that Ebou Sowe and Fatou Gassama were identified by the association after they champion the various categories male and female, noting that the two athletes have been duly registered for the Hopes Program and hoping that they will be selected for the next stage of the championship, which is due in June in Sweden.

Mr Adebayo added that the athletes will be camp among other athletes worldwide to compete where the best young tennis players would be identified and that they would later be sponsored by the International Table Tennis Federation, and be prepared for the future.

The technical director also revealed that the cost of finance for the two athletes would be finance by the association for the championship.