Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No 24/2008, 27 - 28 February 2008
EDITORIAL
Can A Chief Serve As An Adjudicator?
According to Section 120 subsection (2) of the Constitution, “The judicial
power of The Gambia is vested in the courts and shall be exercised by them
according to the respective jurisdictions conferred on them by law.” Subsection
(1) of the same section indicates that the courts of The Gambia include
District Tribunals.
Furthermore, subsection (3) of the same section stipulates explicitly: “In
the exercise of their judicial functions, the courts, the judges and other
holders of judicial office shall be independent and shall be subject only to
this Constitution and the law and, save as provided in this Chapter, shall not
be subject to the control or direction of some other person or authority.”
Although the law makes provision for the appointment of the President of a
District Tribunal, in practice the appointed Chief automatically becomes the
President of the District Tribunal. The law also makes the Chief head of the
District Authority. But according to law the Chief is in the palm of the
President’s hand, who can sack him/her at any time without cause.
In short, a chief wears two caps. On the one hand he/she is under the whims
and caprices of the executive while at the same time he/she presides over
cases which are sometimes controversial and involve the government or the ruling
party. Can a Chief who has campaigned tooth and nail in support of the
ruling party or one who fears the threat of dismissal be expected to adjudicate
impartially in such cases? Only believers in fairy tales would think so.
Furthermore, what would happen if a District Authority headed by a Chief
sues a person to the District Tribunal headed by the same Chief? Would we expect
impartiality? Can someone preside over his/her own case in his/her own court?
The current judicial system that prevails in rural areas with the Chief as
President of the District Tribunal, without written laws and with political
pressures only tends to give rise to arbitrary decisions. To talk of customs and
tradition is in most cases a joke. The system does not serve the cause of
justice. It must be replaced with one that excludes Chiefs from judicial
functions and restricts them to administrative functions.
Women Gardeners Express Frustration Over Salt Intrusion
By Isatou Bittaye
The Women gardeners at the Old Jeshwang gardens have decried the intrusion
of salt water from the sea into their gardens. The women made this statement
in an interview with this reporter on Monday at their vegetable gardens.
Speaking to this reporter, Ma Sirreh Bojang said the perennial intrusion of
salt water from the sea has impacted negatively on their vegetable plants,
noting that this often kills their crops. She said their gardens are full of
salt water and that is why they often have difficulty planting vegetables in
the area .She said they often wait for the salt water to dry before they
plant vegetables in the area , noting that the soil which is often polluted by
the salt water, sometimes devastates their plants.. She added that they are
grappling with the high cost of manure and fertilizer.
Also speaking, Fatou Sarr said pests sometimes destroy their crops, noting
that if they fail to apply insecticide on the crops , the insects often feed
on them (the plants ) .She lamented the high cost of insecticide, noting that
a container costs D100. She said the salt water from the sea is affecting
their vegetables; that anything they grow will not survive as a result of the
salt. Fatou added that they are also faced with the problem of fencing their
gardens as they do not have money to fence the gardens; instead they use sticks
to fence their gardens. She said if they failed to use sticks to fence their
gardens, stray animals would enter the gardens and feed on their vegetables.
Boto Bojang said they buy seeds from G.H.C. Garden Center, noting that the
cost of seed is expensive. She said they sell their produce at the Serrekunda
Market. Boto noted that they have never received support from any
philanthropist. She said they are appealing for support in order to fence their garden
and buy insecticides for their crops. She added that they also need urgent
help to combat the intrusion of salt water into their gardens. She said if this
is not done on time, they will not be able to cultivate anything in their
gardens in the future.
Fresh Charges Against Lieutenant Bakary Camara
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Lieutenant Bakary Camara who was recently taken to court and jointly charged
with two others for stealing a government vehicle, was on Tuesday arraigned
in Court and charged with stealing and giving false information to a public
officer. This time Lieutenant Camara is charged separately.
Initially, Lieutenant Camara, Manlafi Sanyang, controller of government
vehicles, and Momodou Lamin Sonko, Proprietor of Boto Construction were jointly
charged with conspiracy, stealing and economic crime. It is not clear whether
the previous charges have been dropped.
Lieutenant Camara was re-arrested after he was granted bail by a High Court
judge in the sum of one million dalasis. Appearing on Tuesday, at the Banjul
Magistrates Court, Lieutenant Camara pleaded not guilty to one count of
stealing and two counts of giving false information. He was granted bail in the
sum of D50,000 and that he must provide a responsible Gambian surety ,
preferably a civil servant.
The accused is expected in court on February 28.
Bajinka Spotted At RVTH
Yahya Bajinka, an agent of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and a
brother to Major Bajinka (who is on the run) was on Tuesday 19 February, 2008
spotted at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul. Bajinka was spotted
by this reporter while he was being escorted by a soldier and prison wardens.
Bajinka was rearrested on 16 April, 2007 at Brikama by plain clothes officers
and whisked away to the State Central Prison.
According to sources, Mr. Bajinka is languishing at the maximum security
wing at Mile Two Central Prison. Sources say his health condition has
deteriorated.
However, Bajinka looked weak in appearance and his health appeared to be
deteriorating.
Family members have expressed concern over the health condition of their
beloved one, whom they regard as their sole bread-winner. Family sources noted
that the detention of Mr. Bajinka has caused them continuous sleepless nights
and psychological strains. They have called on the authorities to release him
or charge and try him in any competent court of law. He was put on board a
white coloured Mitsubishi vehicle and taken to Mile II.
Where Are Jasaja Kujabie And Others
After Two Years Of Arrest
By Modou Jonga
The whereabouts of Jasaha Kujabie of Dobong, and Haruna Jammeh and Macie
Jammeh (residents of Kanilai) is still unknown, family sources say.
They noted that the trio were arrested on the same day during the rainy
season in 2005 and were whisked away to Kanilai by plain clothes officers
purportedly for interrogation, but they have not been seen since then. Family
sources told this paper that they have visited the police headquarters to locate
the whereabouts of their loved ones, but to no avail. While indicating that no
reason has been advanced for the arrest and continued detention of the
detainees by the state authorities, family sources noted that they are not aware of
any court proceedings against their loved ones. They urged the concerned and
relevant authorities to release their loved ones or charge and try them in
any competent court of law as the detention of the trio has a severe economic
and psychological impact on them (their families).
Press Officer Mam Sait Ceesay Appears In Court
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Journalist Mam Sait Ceesay, the former press officer at the office of the
president has appeared before the Banjul Magistrates Court and pleaded not
guilty to two counts of false publication and broadcasting.
The particulars of offence on count one states that Mam Sait Ceesay, on or
about the 8 of August 2007, wilfully, negligently or recklessly, or having no
reasons to believe that it is true, published in the Daily Observer, that
Alex Dacosta has been appointed as Director of Press and Public Relations at the
office of the president, when J.T Kujabi is still the sustentative holder of
that position and thereby commits an offence.
The particulars of offence on count two also indicates that Mam Sait Ceesay,
wilfully, negligently or recklessly, or having no reasons to believe that it
is true, published “Through” the Daily Observer that Alex Dacosta has been
appointed Director of Press and Public Relations Office at the office of the
president, when K.T Kujabi is still the sustantative holder of that position
and thereby commits an offence. Mr. Ceesay pleaded not guilty to the two
counts and was granted bail in the sum of D10, 000 and that he must provide one
Gambian surety. The matter was then adjourned till 10 March for the
continuation of the case. The trial Magistrate was Magistrate Olajubutu Kayode and the
defence counsel was Antouman Gaye, and Inspector Yaya Touray stood for the
state.
Charge D’ Affaire Continues Testimony In Willy Joof’s Trial
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The cross-examination of Moses Benjamin Jallow, charge d’affaire of The
Gambia Embassy in France, continued in the trial of William Joof, ex-ambassador
to France. Appearing on Tuesday at the Banjul Magistrates Court, Mr. Jallow
testified during cross-examination by defence counsel, Lamin Camara that a bank
account was opened by Mr. Joof in 2004. When he was reminded by the defence
counsel that on January 23, he told the court that the UNESCO delegate did
not have any account, the witness replied in the affirmative.
The charge d’affaire said that he had never seen the vehicle Mr. Joof
allegedly purchased, but he said he knew how it was purchased. On the appointment
of Michel Coencas, Mr. Jallow said that was in 2004 and he knew it verbally,
but not by the appointment letter.
He added that Mr. Coencas’s appointment was terminated by Mr. Joof according
to a note the accused person sent to the UNESCO Secretariat. The note sent
to UNESCO was shown to the witness who recognised it.
The defence counsel asked Mr. Jallow whether he had seen any document apart
from the note, but the witness replied in the negative.
At this point, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Emmanuel Fagbenle
objected to the question from his colleague, arguing that it is touching on the
content of the note when it is not yet admitted in evidence.
Consequently, the court has to adjourn for a ruling on the argument. Mr.
Joof is facing charges of abuse of office, official corruption, obtaining goods
by false pretences, stealing and conspiracy.
Carnegie Minerals MD In Court
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Lawyer CE Mene, on Monday 25 February sought a review of the bail conditions
of his client, Mr. Charles Northfield, the Managing Director of Carnegie
Minerals Company .The defence counsel sought this application before Justice Na
Ceesay Salla Wadda of the Banjul High Court.
In his application, Mr. Mene stated that his application stems from the
agreement which was before the court on the review of the bail condition. He
recalled that on the last adjournment of the matter it was stated that a formal
application be made and that it was not objected to by the State. He noted
that the records show that the motion for review of the bail condition was never
opposed by the state, adding that he would rely on the affidavit that is
attached to the motion. He pointed out that the application to review the bail
condition only deals with the deposit of $100,000 dollars and nothing more.
Mr. Mene emphasised that the agreement was endorsed by the State on the 21
February. He also admitted having the affidavit by the state, stating that the
affidavit is inconsistent with the earlier agreement reached on 21 February. He
asserted that when parties make an agreement before the court, it would be
on record; that both parties should commit to it. He noted that if the court
does not agree to an alternative of depositing $100,000 plus the company’s
equipment, the original bail bond providing for an amount of D5 million and two
title deeds worth D2 million should be reduced. He pointed out that until
that order is complied with, then the earlier order would remain standing.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr. Emmanuel Fagbenle in response
stated that the State had earlier on stated it will not oppose the
application for the review of the bail condition. He stated that the state had filed an
affidavit in response to the defence’s application in order to avoid
inconsistency. He added that the prosecution would also like to be provided with the
property attached to the bail bond to enable them to monitor the bail.
Mr. Charles Northfield, the Managing Director of the Mining Company,
Carnegie Mineral Company, is standing trial on three counts of economic crimes and
theft.
Sheriff Minteh’s Murder Trial
Witness Stands Firm On Her Testimony
By Saikou Ceesay
The fifth prosecution witness in the trial of Dodou Janneh, alias Dodou Boy,
has stood firmly by her testimony that the late Sheriff Minteh told her at
the point of death that the accused, Dodou Janneh, had stabbed him (the
deceased).
The witness, Yassin Minteh, insisted on this point during cross-examination
by defence counsel Lawyer Lamin S. Camara, at the proceedings of Tuesday 26
February 2008. Lawyer Camara suggested to the witness that the deceased may
not have referred to the accused when he (the deceased) said “he stabbed ,me”
because he did not point his finger to the accused. In response the witness
said she stood by the statement she made to the police.
When asked whether she knows the police officer who took her statement, she
answered in the negative. Upon further questioning she said her statement was
taken before the burial of the late Sheriff Minteh. When challenged she
maintained that she had mentioned the name of the accused to the police officer
who took her statement.
Miss Minteh acknowledged that she did not know the accused, but pointed out
that people recognise him facially and by his name. She also acknowledged
that she had never seen the accused before the incident.
She also admitted that she had no idea of the number of people present at
the scene, noting that her mind was focused on her brother who was bleeding
profusely at the time.
The fifth prosecution witness has ended her testimony and the sixth
prosecution witness is expected to testify at the next proceedings scheduled for
Wednesday 5th March 2008. The trial is taking place at the Bundung Magistrates
Court before Mrs. Kumba Sillah Camara. The accused is still remanded in custody
at Mile II Prisons.
Fire Outbreak at AGIB
MD Assures Customers of Safety
By Amie Sanneh, Madiba Singhateh & Baboucarr Ceesay
Another inferno has destroyed equipment at the Arab Gambian Islamic Bank
(AGIB) branch at Westfield between the hours of 2pm and 2.30pm on Monday. As
curious onlookers made efforts to draw closer to the scene while the fire was
being extinguished by the fire officers, journalists waited for hours to have a
clue of what started the fire and the damage it caused.
This is the second time within three months that the Arab Gambian Islamic
Bank (AGIB) Westfield branch caught fire.
Shortly after the fire was extinguished and the burnt areas were cleared by
the fire service, the Managing Director of AGIB, Mr. Mamour Jagne spoke to
waiting and jostling journalists.
Mr. Jagne said he was called from his office in Banjul around 2.30pm that
there is fire breakout at the branch at West Field and he rushed to the scene
immediately. He said the cause of the fire is not yet known and they are
investigating the cause. Jagne pointed out that the fire occurred when the
cashiers were on break. He explained that normally when they are out on break, they
keep all their monies in a cash box which is fire proof, thus making their
monies safe from fire. Mr. Jagne however said certain items such as computers,
cashiers’ chairs and cubicles (where the cashiers work) were burnt.
He described this incident as the second of its kind, noting that this one
is more serious than the previous one which occurred in December 2007.
He said that one of the cashier’s face was slightly burnt while she was
trying to rescue some of her belongings from the inferno.
This incident, Mr. Jagne said does not affect their records and documents.
He added that they have a network and the server is in Banjul. He said they
also have print out of all records outside the bank. Mr. Jagne assured
customers that all the records are carefully stored and nothing is lost or missing.
He further assured customers that such incidents would never occur again and
they will do their best to tackle the cause.
Meanwhile the AGIB management issued a press release on the faithful Monday.
The release informed the valued customers that a fire incident happened at
its branch at Westfield junction resulting in the damages of equipment and
furniture.
Management reassured the general public that the situation is strictly under
control as work is in progress to ensure that normal operation continues.
The management requested customers to visit either the Banjul or Senegambia
branch for their usual transaction and apologised for any inconvenience it
might cause.
However, on the day of the incident, AGIB management made transportation
arrangement for their customers to their Senegambia branch to carry on with
their transaction using AGIB vehicles.
Bail Application For Boto Sonko
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Defence counsel, Antouman Gaye has filed a bail application on behalf of Mr.
Momodou Lamin Sonko, alias “Boto Sonko,” before Justice Na Ceesey
Salla-Wadda of the Banjul High Court. The application was heard on Monday 25 February.
The State Counsel Emmanuel O. Fagbenle, said he has received the application
and he would not oppose it. He stated that the application should inform the
court of the information on the materials that the applicant should produce
before the court with regards to the economic crime, stating that there was a
pending application pertaining to the applicant which was granted by the
Chief Justice.
Mr. Fagbenle added that for the facilitation of justice, he would prefer an
adjournment to enable him to provide the court with all the necessary
materials pertaining to the case. Defence Counsel Gaye noted that he understand the
position of the state, noting that it would be necessary for the state to
provide the defence with documents to enable them to react to it. It could be
recalled that Mr. Sonko, the proprietor of Boto construction has been in
detention for almost a week.
Media Fraternity Sensitised On FGM
By Fabakary B. Cessay and Annia Gaye
The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP), on Saturday 23rd
February, organised a day’s training and sensitization workshop for the media
fraternity in the Gambia. The objective of the workshop was to capacitize
the media on how to sensitise the general populace on Female genital
mutilation. The workshop brought together Senior Journalists and editors from both the
electronic and print media.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Bijou Peters, a veteran journalist, described
how important and powerful the media would be in fighting against F.G.M and
harmful practices. She stated that through the commitment of the media the
goals of GAMCOTRAP would be well realised by the entire populace. She urged the
media to engage themselves in the fight against F.G.M and women’s rights.
For her part, Dr Isatou Touray, described how the media is a stakeholder in
their fight against FGM and women’s rights. She dilated on the concept of
advocacy, that the media has a significant role in informing the masses at the
grass roots level. She indicated that it would be very vital for the media to
be involved in grass roots advocacy and to serve as the voice of the
voiceless. She pointed out the need for the media to be knowledgeable about F.G.M so
as to disseminate correct scientific information, noting that media
commitment is very significant before it can be an advocate. She stated that the media
can play a role in enhancing the implementation of laws, regulations
policies and programmes.
Mrs. Amie Bojang Sissoho, underscored the need for the involvement of the
media in the fight against. F.G.M. She stated that GAMCOTRAP alone cannot do
the work that they deem it necessary for the media to participate and be fully
involved in the struggle against F.G.M practice.
Mrs. Bojang Sissoho added that the media should now adopt using the word ‘
mutilation’ instead of cutting. She noted that the media has a great influence
over the population; that their involvement would be well received by the
people from both sectors of public work and society.
Journalist Sarata Jabbi Dibba and Fatou Jobe from The Point newspaper and
GRTS respectively, who attended a regional workshop in Addis Ababa, on African
media and the role of women in eradicating harmful traditions in Africa, also
gave presentations from the workshop in Ethiopia.
At the end of the day, cross cutting issues were discussed between the media
practitioners, who later submitted recommendations to GAMCOTRAP. The media
also pledged to work hand in glove with GAMCOTRAP by coming together to form a
network of journalists against F.G.M. A video documentary was also viewed by
the participants, which highlighted the negative impact F.G.M has on people
who practiced it.
Commentary By Amie Sillah
Bravo Gamcotrap! Your approach is very scientific. Provide scientific data
and let people see the impact for themselves.
They will be convinced. The journalists were convinced when they saw the
pictures. As the saying goes, seeing is believing.
Definitely what we saw is not cutting.
A cut gets healed but with mutilation the flesh is gone. Our women and girls
are not interested in semantics of terminology. They are asking society to
inform them and give them choices. Europe, American has gone through their
dark stages. Africa is still experiencing harmful practices such as early
marriage, food taboo, tattooing, forced wife inheritance, rape of virgins with the
misconception that it can cure Aids. We have to change our mind set. We have
to protect our women and children. We have to welcome the zero tolerance to
F.G.M.
FGM is a deep rooted culture. But we have hope. Some communities are
dropping the knife. We have the vision that change is going to come when the Gambia,
Africa, Asia will drop the knife forever.
We give solidarity to all sister women’s rights organisations and pray to
Allah to give them the strength and the will power to continue to struggle.
Aluta continua.
The struggle for change, social justice continues. Power to the people!
African Court Rules Incomplete
As Extra-ordinary Session Closes
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The extra-ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’
Rights (ACHPR) on Saturday ended in Banjul without concluding on all the items
on their agenda. The commission was expected to finalize and consider the
rules of procedure of the African Human Rights Court in this fourth
extra-ordinary session, but the commission in a Communiqué’ said that it had postponed
some of the unfinished work to a future date.
“The African Commission would also like to place on record that due to the
intensity of the work involved in the consideration of the rules of procedure,
it was able to consider only three of the items originally slated for this
extra-ordinary session namely, the draft rules of procedure and the human
rights situations in Kenya and Somalia,” the communiqué noted.
The Commission’s Chairperson, Justice Sanji Monageng, told Foroyaa that the
remaining issues will be tackled at the May ordinary session in Swaziland.
Asked if the Commission would not be over overloaded again, thus hindering the
time table in Swaziland, Justice Monageng said she cannot answer that, but
they would try to prioritise and do as much as they can.
The Commission has adopted two resolutions and it will send a fact-finding
mission to Kenya and Somalia in due course to investigate allegations of human
rights violation in the two neighbouring states, according to reports.
Marie Saine-Firdaus Secretary of State for Justice and Attorney General for
The Gambia, said she hopes that the rules of procedure for the African Court
would serve the interest of all the people on the continent.
Magistrate To Discharge Italian If...
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Domenico Fideli, a 49 year-old Italian will be discharged from a charge of
stealing a Kanilai Farms vehicle, if the prosecution fails to proceed with the
case, said the presiding Magistrate on Thursday.
Magistrate Olajubutu Kayode said this after an application for an
adjournment of the case by the prosecutor, Inspector Yaya Touray. The Magistrate said
that he would adjourn the matter for the last time and the prosecution should
bring it’s witnesses by 26 February.
He added that if the prosecution fails to proceed, he would consequently
discharge the accused person for want of diligent prosecution.
Mr. Fideli is on trial for stealing a motor vehicle belonging to Kanilai
Farms at the licensing department of the Gambia police force.
The particulars of the offence show that the alleged incident occurred on
January 10 2008, and the vehicle registration number is BJL 4063 B.
Veteran Music Promoter Calls for Institutionalisation of The Music Industry
Bai Jack, a veteran Gambian music promoter talks to Art and Music Column on
a wide range of issues.
Mr. Jack talks about the need to institutionalise Gambian music which he
argues can bring enormous revenue to the industry.
By Musa Barrow
Foroyaa: Could you introduce yourself?
Jack: I was born in the Gambia, was brought up and educated in Banjul. I
was the social secretary of a youth organisation known as the Camadons Prior to
that as a young person I was very much involved in sport. I joined my first
football team when I was just twelve years of age. I was a member of the
then Sagu Eleven, a very famous and influential football club. As a member of
the Camadons youth organisation, we used to organise many activities in Banjul
among them were musical shows, procession and cultural activities all aimed
at bringing people together. One of the most significant achievement of the
Camadon youth organisation was our annual live musical band shows that we used
to have with musical bands such as Gallewar and Ifanbondi.
What inspired you to venture into the world of music?
Jack: Basically, it was my engagement with those musical bands that I
earlier mentioned that truly inspired me to become what I am today. It started
since 19977 and I begun actively with a band in 1980.
How did you start working with a musical band?
Jack: Amazingly I was supposed to become an electrical draft man I had
already started training at the Building Control Office to become an architect.
After I completed high school my intention was to get a scholarship with a view
to pursue higher education. As a trainee at the Building Control Office I
was attached to Jeng Electrical Company which then had many contracts all over
the country among them was the electrification of the Central Bank which I
personally drafted. As a young person, my father had always believed that I
would be an artist. In 1971 I was the first Gambian to win the Shankars’
International Children Art Competition Volume Twenty-three and the organisers of
competition were based in Bombay, India. About one hundred thousand people took
part in the competition.
What was the Shankars’ International Children Art Competition about?
Jack: This competition was about art, essay, composition and letter writing.
Participants were required to design something and explain it. Entry to the
competition was open to participants all over the world. I can vividly
remember receiving my trophy at the then Ministry of Education, but unfortunately
I am yet to receive my certificate which I was told would be sent to me. This
trophy was presented to me by the then education minister Sir Kalilu
Sighateh. I must say that my trophy got lost in mysterious circumstance and until
now I have no idea where it is. In 1976 our youth organisation Camadons quelled
a conflict between the fans of two musical bands namely Ifanbondi and
Gellewarr by organising a football match between the two set of fans. As youths we
felt it was our responsibility to promote unity and understanding amongst
people. In 1979 our organisation was the first youth association to take a
Gambian musical band Gellewarr outside the country precisely Senegal.In the same
year the band recorded on the television in Senegal. In 1980 I started to work
with Gellewarr as the manager.
During your reign as the manager of Gellewarr, what was its major
achievement?
Jack: The major achievement was that in 1981 the band released two volumes.
This achievement was unprecedented because it was the first of its kind to
have happened in this country. As a result of the emergency law which was as a
result of the 1981 aborted coup the band had to travel to Senegal where they
recorded and proceeded on a tour which lasted for two years. In this tour we
visited and performed in many places in Senegal. And during this period, we
also signed contracts with many companies. In 1982 the band was taken to court
in Senegal resulting in the seizure of our instruments. However, the band
stood firm.
During your tour of Senegal and Mauritania, how were you received?
Jack: The band was warmly received in both Senegal and Mauritania because
the name Gellewarr then was a trade mark. The popularity of the band was
orchestrated by Lie Ngum who is such an intelligent person. Lie and Musa Ngum used
to cause traffic jams in Senegal. I do tell young artists that Gambian music
used to be very popular in Senegal; those were the days of Ifanbondi,
Gellewarr and Magadan. Those bands earned the country glory, fame and income. Given
the fact that most of the people behind our music during those days are still
alive, if we institutionalise the music industry we can still move where we
want to. Another thing is there is a taste and style of music called the
Marinba that is being played in Senegal, the master of that style started his
career under my own supervision and he is Mustapha Faye, the keyboard player of
Yousou Ndure.
As a veteran music promoter what is your view of the state of music in the
country?
Jack: I think we need to institutionalise music as well as “Gambianise” it.
By the latter I mean Gambian music should be given more air time on both
radios and television. There should also be a music school where music can be
learnt in its truest form. Gambian musicians lack basic facilities which are
completely essential to their work. There is no doubt in my mind that there are
well qualified people in this country who can share their expertise with
youngsters if a music school is established.
Do you think a music school is the solution to “Gambianise” Gambian music
given the fact that some young artists are already influenced by foreign music?
Jack: In the absence of the necessary structures in place, anyone can think
that he/she can come and do anything: in such a situation, people take
everything without proper scrutiny. In the quest to “Gambianise” our music, people
with the know how will be in place to correct things. Another important
thing is that a music school goes with a recording facility and a press facility.
Do you share the view that bringing high profile artists in the country does
sideline young Gambian artists?
Jack: I do not think so bringing high profile artists like Morgan Heritage
is always an opportunity.
How would you describe the role of a promoter in music?
Jack: The role of a promoter basically is to secure the intellectual and
economic interest of the artist you are promoting. The promoter serves as a link
between the product and the people whom the product is to be delivered to.
As a promoter one also reveals something which was previously unknown. In
order for one to do all these things mentioned above, he/she has to know how to
do it and it requires a great deal of hard work and sacrifice. Promoting in
Africa is such a daunting job. However, the advent of internet has now made it
a bit easier.
Are Gambian musicians making the best use out of the internet given the
enormous opportunities it offers?
Jack: I know of one site called gambiantalent.com that is really selling
Gambian music to the outside world. Such sites can take our music forward. Arts
can bring a lot to a country, example Jamaica is known all over the world for
its reggae music and the returns reggae music brings to Jamaica is simply
immense and enormous. There are four fundamental pillars in life and these
pillars govern life. These fundamental pillars are tradition, religion,
aristocracy and the technocracy which include the artists. Any country that fails to
respect its artists is doom to fail.
At one point in time you were in Europe. What were you doing there?
Jack: I had been in Europe for sixteen years and I returned home just a
couple of years back. In Sweden I worked with a music bureau which I had
registered with. I used to work with children with special needs. I used music to
stimulate the interest of kids who lack self confidence. With the various
Gambian bands in Sweden such as the “Fam Tam” magic and Voice of Manding we sued
to organise musical shows all over Sweden. These shows turned out to be
successful. During my stay in Sweden I was also able to help King Rascuras by
recording his first CD for him for free of charge.
Apart from King Rascuras have you worked or supported any other young
Gambian musician?
Jack: I managed the Royal Family, most of whom are now in London. I also
assisted the Royal Philosopher who is still in the country. Recently together
with my friends Moses Nden and Mr. Saho we have formed a freelance music
organisation aimed at helping musicians of this country. This organisation raises
awareness and makes Gambians to be aware of what the country can gain through
music.
Over the years many musical bands have emerged only for them to disappear.
What would you attribute such development to?
Jack: I would advise any band to think of collective success rather than
individual success. Our musicians tend to be driven by the desire to go to
Europe and there is an avalanche of musicians in Europe. The only way Gambian
musicians can thrive in Europe is for them to play Gambian cultural music which
would be unique there.
No matter how good one is, he can never be good as those he imitates.
What would you say to the saying that music has no boundary?
Jack: Although there is an element of truth in that statement. However,
different people have their different style of music.
What would be your comparison of Gambian music in the 1970s and presently?
Jack: In the 1970s there was a great deal of coordination between artists
and people. Secondly performances were also frequent. All these things are not
happening these days.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Life Is Not A Game
With Amie Sillah
Mansata And The Lovers
People following the story would wonder where does Mansata, Ousman’s wife
fit in the equation.
Mansata’s mother was sick. She is married to a man residing in Senegal. Ya
Mariam requested to see her daughter before she joined her ancestors. Mansata
was in Senegal all this while when Ousman flirts with Aja. She did no have
any clue what she was to find at home. She came home and decided to v
isit her husband. They were newly wed. No issue was
involved as yet.
The Shock
Mansata went to visit her husband in the city. Grandma Sally refused to
intimate her with any information. She was completely in the dark. Grandma wanted
her to find out the information for herself. She went straight into the main
building. What did she see? The lovers locked up in romance on the carpet.
She was shocked. “Oh my God! Ousman! What is happening? Is the world coming to
an end? Where is Alhajj?” Ousman ignored her and kept on doing what he was
doing with Aja. Mansata turned to Aja. “Shameless bitch! You want to snatch my
husband? You called him bush man. Is the bush man more appealing than
Alhajj, your honourable husband? Slut! Leave my husband alone. Don’t pollute him
with your venom. You are evil! You are a Jezebel, an adulteress and an
adulterer!”
“Get out of my house you swine! What can you give him? Get out before I
break your head!” Ousman responded. “Save your breath darling! I’ll deal with
the idiot.” Ousman got up and physically assaulted his wife. “I don’t want
you! I don’t love you. I have divorce you. How can you disgrace me like this? I
am a man. I can marry up to four wives.” “Nonsense adulterer! You are
committing adultery with your boss’s wife, your benefactor! Alhajj brought you out
of poverty. You should have paid him in a better way. I am ashamed of you. I
wish I’ve never married you. Thank you for divorcing me. Good riddance to bad
rubbish! Both of you will surely reap what you have sown. You have thrown a
ball it will surely bounce back. Good day!” “Get out! Rubbish!” The lovers
lashed at Mansata. She took a transport and rushed back to the village.
Doctor Jack Treks To The Village
Doctor Jack have an orchard in the village. He visited Alhajj while he was
there. Fortunately, Gra Saul and the girls were also there. The battle is not
completely lost. Give him time. Psychologically, he is battered. He lost
faith in the human being after his brutish experience. He needs love, care,
understanding to restore his faith. That will help him to recover quickly. Any
question?” Dr. Jack asked his audience. “It’s okay Doc. We understand. Myself
and the girls will do our best to ensure my best pal comes back to perfect
health.” Doc took excuse and left as well as Gra Saul.
Mansata Returns To The Village
She went to visit Grandma. She did not know Alhajj was there. She felt
ashamed. She stooped down and cried. She asked for forgiveness. He has divorced me
but still I feel obliged because I was marrying him when he committed the
crime.” “Get up!” The girls and Grandma ordered. “You are innocent. We love
and respected you. You are also a victim. The adulteress snatched away your
husband. The adulterer snatched away daddy’s wife. Allah will judge them. Let
us not bother with them any longer. Lets give dad enough love and care to make
him achieve faster recovery.” Mansata felt relieved. She asked for a favour.
“What is it?” The family asked. “I want to nurse and take care of Alhajj to
recover. We owe him that at least. He has elevated my family. The girls can
go back to school.” The family felt a great relief. “Are you sure you can do
it? It is tedious. The soiling of the bed, the urination, all that is not
easy.” “Yes, I can. My mom has a stroke before she died I nurse her. I’ll take
care of Alhajj as my own father. Grandma Sally is a great woman. I’ll do
anything for her only son.” The family hugged her. “You are a great woman.
Allah will bless you. Your heart is golden.” Mansata transferred to Alhajj is
village cottage. She lived to her word. She did everything to make Alhajj
comfortable.
The Girls Ring Salma
Ndey Salma, the first daughter is named after her grandma, Alhajj’s mom. She
is married to an American citizen Ismail. They are blessed with a twin boy
and girl named after Alhajj and Ismail’s mom, Aunty Rose. The girls rang Ndey
Salma and told her everything. “It is worst. Mom seduced her
houseboy-cum-driver and publicly made him her lover. Dad caught them red handed and fell down
with a stroke. He relocated to the village. Mansata, Ousman’s divorced wife
is looking after him. Mom drove us out of the house. She asked Ousman to
assault Nadia. He almost killed her. All the papers bear her name. She stroke dad’
s name out of them. You have to take casual leave as a doctor to visit home
to settle things. It has already got out of hand.” Zahra reported. “Is it
that bad?” Ndey Salma asked. “It is worst.” The girls emphasised. “Come
quickly, we are expecting you soonest. Dad’s condition has stabilised. That’s
good news”.
Ndey Salma Arrives
Ndey Salma took the advice. She took a casual leave and rushed home. The
girls came to the city to welcome her.
Mansata Takes Control
Mansata did an excellent job. She nursed dad with nutritious food and ensure
he is fresh and clean all the time. Dad is gradually recovering. He felt
loved and cared for. His confidence is developing. Mansata is a ‘talibeh’ (a
koranic student) she is well verse in the Koran. Her father is a great marabout.
She read the Quran for Alhajj to give him courage to belief in himself and
Allah, that he will recover Ishallah! (God willing).
To be contd.
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