By: Bakary Ceesay
Gambia Association of Music Producers and Promoters (GAMPP) has urged The Gambia Government to further clarify the detailed Statement Governing the restrictions and regulations of the suspension of permits for social events, parties, music festivals, and mass gatherings that commenced on March 8th, 2021.
In a statement on March 9th signed by GAMPP secretary general Sally Njie- Kolley said: “Gambia Association of Music Producers and Promoters) is calling on The Gambia Government to further enlighten us With a detailed Statement Governing the restrictions and regulations of the suspension of permits for social events, parties, music festivals, and mass gatherings that commenced on March 8th, 2021 as highlighted on the statement released on February 17th, 2021 by The Gambia Government Spokesperson”.
The statement lamented that the music entertainment industry, particularly the promotion aspect feels targeted as It seems it’s the only sector being deprived of holding its activities, which are sources of income for many majority of whom are young people and have invested millions of dalasis on upcoming events due to take place in the months of March, April and beyond.
“We all are aware of the importance of adhering to the Covid-19 measures and protocols to protect families, and ourselves but if other sectors are carrying on with their activities without suspension, so should the entertainment sector as well but also by following these guidelines, doing it in a coordinated manner”
“We are calling on the Government, through the ministry of tourism and culture and the national center for arts and culture to give a detailed statement on these restrictions and regulations of this new suspension so as to know if permits/licenses for events given before the 8th of march will be valid or not, so that our members won’t find themselves breaking the law”