Gambia Music Union must shape up or ship out

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

>> 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

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.

1. If this is the kidney and that is the liver, what the heck is this?
2. Now where is page 5 of the operation manual?
3. 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

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

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

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 coast region 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

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.

Ivorian Gambian sets sails for his R&B Salsa career in The Gambia

Denzy Sosseh is the late Laba Sosseh's son who have spent most of his life in Ivory Coast, came back home two years ago to spread his late father legacy. Three months ago he released a brand new single titled “Amore” which literaly means Love in spanish. Denzy disclosed that he is back in his fatherland for good to continue what his late father (Laba Sosseh) has started and added that in 2004 he released an album called “ONE” in Senegal with the late Laba Sosseh, who was the lead vocalist of African Jazz Band. Denzy have performed in many shows and concerts in Toulouse, France, Burkina Faso, Gunea Conakry and other African countries and has met with Africa's music heavyweights like Alpha Blonde, Magic System, Vivian Ndure, DJ Awadi, Saikouba Bambino and the likes.

Denzy Sooseh also known as the king of Latino R&B is a graduate and has studied English and Spanish language in Cocody university, Abidjan. His second album is intended to pay homage to his late father who was his mentor. He seeks  for support from his Excellency, the president of the republic, music lovers and investors.

Akon thanks mom for kepping him in prison

Hip-Hop R&B star Akon has thanked his mother for refusing to bail him out of jail following his arrest in 1998, insisting spending six months behind bars "saved" his life.
Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam widely known as Akon was taken into custody during a federal sting operation on 18 November 1998 after allegedly running an illegal car theft ring.
Recalling the day of his arrest during a VH1 Behind the Music special, which aired in America on Wednesday 11Apr12, he said, "Cars came from every direction, cops yelling, 'Get out of the car! Get down, get down, hands on your head!'" Akon, then 25, was subsequently charged with fraud and grand theft auto and hauled off to the Dekalb County Jail in Decatur, Georgia.
Akon's parents were outraged to find out about their son's criminal ways, and his Senegal-born mom, Kine Thiam, decided to teach him a lesson by forcing him to "sit there and figure it out".
His mother said, "Nobody in my family ever go to jail. I let him sit there for six months and I did it on purpose, because if you figure six months is too long, well if you end up for six years, or longer, you see what it's gonna be like".
And while Akon was less than grateful at the time, it gave the Lonely singer an opportunity for intense soul searching.
He explained, "Me getting locked (up) is what saved my life. That's when I realized, 'What the f**k am I doing trying to be wealthy, when it ultimately means nothing because my family is suffering because I'm in here, my friends are suffering - more than anything I'm suffering. (I prayed), 'God if you let me out of this situation, I will never, ever be in this position ever again. I promise you I will not let you down.'"
Luckily, due to a legal glitch, prosecutors were forced to drop all charges against the artist, and Akon embarked on a more ethical way to make his fortune "That's when the turning point became, 'Now, let's focus on music and let's put as much energy into this music as I would on the street.'"

Wrestling Congress ends in commotion

Author- FATOUMATTA SAHO (TODAY Newspaper)

The Gambia Wrestling Association congress ended in commotion after the outgoing executives term in office reports were adopted by the members of the association before the executives was dissolved by the National Sports Council, Mamudou Max Jallow at the Independence Stadium friendship hostel conference hall.

The congress which was attended by cross section of wrestlers and wrestling clubs across the country ended in commotion when it was time to elect the new executives in to office. It was first said that two club members have the right to vote, later it was announced that even the club members should also vote, election proceedings was on the process until another thing interrupted the election. The outgoing president Matarr Jarju said that according to their constitution, a promoter cannot be part of the executives, while the aspiring presidential candidate Abdoulie Bojang alias Ablo who was the vice president of the association said that there was nowhere in their constitution where it was mentioned that a promoter cannot be a part of the executives.

The incumbent president Matarr Jarju whom many believes surrender his position to allow others to lead the affairs of wrestling, to the surprise of many stood again when he was elected by some of the club members and he accepted the post.

The executive secretary of the national sports council, Mamudou max Jallow said that the reason why they postponed the election of the new wrestling executives was due to the fact they the wrestling association did not have their house in other "and that is why we are giving them two weeks to put everything in place before the next congress".

According to Mr Jarju he accepted to stood for the presidency again, claiming that his vice president Abdoulie Bojang alias Ablo is not the right person to run the affairs of wrestling in the country, noting that a promoter cannot be a member of their executives which is in their constitution.

He used the opportunity to called on all wrestling clubs in the country who did not register with the wrestling association to come on board and register before the two weeks given by the National Sports Council ends. “Clubs that are supposed to register will consist of seven wrestlers who must pay their licence fee of D250 before they become bona fide members of the Association.

For the aspiring presidential candidate Abdoulie Bojang who was disappointed with the way things unfold at the congress said there is nowhere in their constitution where it is written that a promoter cannot be part of the executive.

He added that his President Matarr Jarju already stepped down and that was why he came up to stand for the position, only for him to see Mr. Jarju stood up again after he was elected.