President Adama Barrow said his government is committed to creating the right environment for the promotion and development of The Gambian music industry.
President Barrow made the remarks on Tuesday during a closed-door audience with ST Brikama Boyo, one of the leading Gambian artists, at the State House.
ST Da Gambian Dream, also called Brikama Boyo or ST Singhateh, Gambian artiste for the third time in his career, has dominated the Wah Sa Halat Awards on 26 January, 2019.
He left the 2019 ceremony, which took place at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, with three awards: Rap/hip-hop artist of the Year, Artist of the Year and Event of the Year (the launching ceremony of Saluto, his last album).
Stressing that his government would promulgate the right policies to protect the sector and provide the right environment for local artists to excel, the president advised the multiple award winning artist to remain steadfast and focus on his career.
“You need to remain focused, responsible and committed to always breaking new grounds in your music. With the right environment, you can take your music to high levels and make it a successful enterprise for yourself and the country,” he advised.
The President congratulated the Brikama-based artist on the successful launch of his album in late 2018, which was described by many observers as the single biggest gathering by a Gambian artist.
Describing the outcome of the meeting as ‘’very positive’’, ST, whose birth name is Sanna Singhateh, told the State House Press Corps that he was at the presidency to bring the attention of the President to some of the challenges Gambian artists grapple with in their profession. While stating that the President was receptive to the issues raised, ST said he was left convinced that the president was willing to take a step further to support Gambian artists.
The rapper concluded that Gambian artists need protection: “We have seen a lot of artists who will rise up but end up with nothing. So I think it is high time we put Gambian artists in the spotlight and devise ways to develop their industry”.
Author: Bakary Ceesay
