Dance Gambia Championship has been official launches recently at Ebunjan Theatre, in Kanifing recently. The Dance Gambia Championship is organised by Flex Fuzion Dance Academy funded by the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) to give chance to Gambian youths who chose dancing and drumming as a career to reach their fullest potentials.
To be held under the theme: “Promoting Culture and Performing Entrepreneurship”. Dance Gambia Live Performances will commence on 6-21st April, 2019 at the Ebunjan Theatre features ten dance group and three soloist includes Sunu Chossan, Musa B. Kamara, Edrissa Njie, alias Sininni, Destiny Boyz, Top Niggaz, K.C Reign, Pyrates, Unbeatable Squad, Karo Star and Alla Leake.
Ndey Fatou Jabang, chief executive officer Flex Fuzion Dance Academy explained that this is the first ever dance and drumming competition attract lot of dancers.
She added that the whole package that includes a mentorship program that will enhance and groom the participants on dance, drumming arts entrepreneurship.
She noted that the event is geared towards promoting Gambian talents through dance, drum beats and also encourage the youths in creative skills and performing arts entrepreneurship.
She pointed out that the main objective is to nurture talent, boost the tourism and cultural sector and create employment opportunities with a new vision of entertainment.
“To the Gambian people, we need to break the barriers that see dancing as a profession for the hopeless or degradable venture. And this requires the support of all. Support and encourage your children/siblings if they have passion for Dance and believe it is a profession like any other,” she said.
She urged the different dance groups all to continue to work hard and believe in “What you do so you can compete favorable and emerge as winners of the competition but above all leave with enough tools to kick start your journey as dance entrepreneurs”
Hassoum Ceesay, acting Director General National Centre for Arts and Culture said they open to all stakeholders in moving the performing arts and creative industry to higher height.
“We have an open door policy, so we urge all to come on board and exchange ideas to move the arts and culture sector of The Gambia,” he said.
Edward Mens-Cole, entertainment manager Senegambia Hotel pointed out that this is the first of its kind in The Gambia and it is a historic moment for those in the creative industry especially for dancers and drummers
He urged the dancers to remains focus in the industry, urging government to create a conducive environment for dancers, drummers because they plays a critical role in the entertainment industry.
Ngoneh Panneh, YEP Tourism Consultant said that: “We YEP Gambia are proud of the partnership we have with the dance Gambia is part of efforts to empower young people realize their potentials. We will continue to support initiatives that seek to improve the lives and livelihoods of young people”.
Hamat N.K. Bah, minister for Tourism arts and Culture, said government is ready to partner with youths in dancing and drumming sector to help the entertainment sector viable.
He explained that as government they recognise the significant role dancers and drummers plays in the daily lives of the society to make people live in a happier life.
“We attached lots of importance in dancing and drumming industry, but we urge you to focus, maintain self-discipline in the sector, let me assured you the government of The Gambia through the ministry of arts and culture is committed to supporting the creative industries. This government will support you financially, morally and legally to thrive and develop the country”
Author: Bakary Ceesay