All is set for the annual Open Mic Festival (OMF) at the Independence Stadium on December 28th, 2018.
Initiated in November 2007 by promoters Black Lynx, the event which started as monthly hood-to-hood show is known for bringing together Gambian artists based in the country and those living abroad. It also provides a platform for lesser-known talents.
This year is the 11th year’s anniversary widely called the people’s event #OMF 2018 to be held under the theme: “The future begins” Usually organised by Black Lynx Entertainment.
The artistes’ lineups are: Praisy, Iyka Yannick, Lady Quincy Fyah, Mad Dot, Y-Dee, Lil Oms, Awa Bling, Big Rozay, Mad Snake, Hussain, Chanta, Team Kunda, Attack, Jizzle Big Faa, Nobles Royal Messenger, ST and T. Smallz . Two bands, Holy Family and Humanity Starz, will back the performers.
Abdoukarim Wagan Faye, coordinator of OMF spoke about the festival’s impact. “I remember when we had the idea,” he said. “Then there were times when practically there was no platform for Gambian music, be it on the radios, television or even shows where they could perform.
So when the idea came to us we were like wow, this is something that we wanted to do because we have always being fans of music and Gambian music for that matter. So as Black Lynx we sat and brainstormed and decided that this might be something for us to do.”
It was not popular at the time but today it is one of the most popular music events in the country.
Waagan added that he wanted to be able to listen to Gambian music on a big platform: “When I watched or listened to music videos or anything music related from other African countries, I was like I wish this could be me listening to music from my own country. That was one of the major inspirations. Besides that, [we were inspired by] our genuine love for music and the Gambia in particular.”
He explained that the annual OMF and monthly Open Mics continue to provide the biggest live-audience platforms for recording and performing artistes in the Gambia.
He added that the Open Mic has impacted urban Gambian music predominantly over the past ten years and has as an event, served as the blueprint of most local concerts.
“It is also responsible for giving urban Gambian music its greatest gift, hope; hope that careers can be built and livelihoods earned by pursuing one’s passion for the art of music.
Now that concerts by local acts are regularly filled to capacity; with artistes and producers churning out more “banging” records; and radio giving us more local-music-oriented shows than ever, the TV too, there’s certainly more out there in the horizon if only we believe and continue to support each other in the spirit of ‘Nyaato’ meaning forward.
Author: Bakary Ceesay