The Music Union of the Gambia has acknowledged the recent visit of a few Gambian Artists to the Office of President, but revealed its was arranged and facilitated by President Adama Barrow’s Youths For National Development together with Lamin Cham (DJ Champion Sounds)
The union stated that the artistes that were attended went there at their own will on contract basis by the above mentioned bodies and had nothing to do with Gambian Artists or Music Union as a whole.
“They presented a “Peace Initiative” Project which the Union isn’t against, we believe maintaining Peace is key and the first step towards developing any nation and Gambia is not an exception to that fact.
What we are against is siding / working / affiliating with any political groups, parties or political related gatherings in the name of Gambian Artist or Musicians.
We believe there are right channels such as our line Ministry Of Youth & Sports or Ministry Of Tourism & Arts/Culture to facilitate such projects together with The Music Union Of The Gambia / NCAC,” the union said.
The union added: “The Union is made up of different Artistes/Musicians with different tribes, backgrounds and political views, what brought us together is the MUSIC and we want to keep it that way.
Due to the present situation of the country, The Timing of the meeting and the Body Facilitating the meeting didn’t sit well for a lot of Artistes & the executives of The Music Union. Our believes is in order to strengthen the Music Union as an institution which has an executive with a mandate.”
“The Music Union Of The Gambia advices artistes to distance themselves from politics and if one wants to take part should do it on its own will and not in the name of Gambia Artists / Musicians / Music Union.
Our Music Industry lacks structure which we have been struggling to put in place and we believe working with the government could make this possible but only if its Channel to the right institutions/ offices.
We want to use this opportunity to inform all artists that the Executive Will in a few weeks call on congress. We are equally happy to report that the constitutional Review committee will report on the drafted constitution for adoption and election of yet another executive to run the affairs of The Gambia Musicians Union in the years to come.”
