Oumie Ngum Maissa, founder of the Oumie Ngum Maissa Buga Fallou Band is a visionary Gambian singer and songwriter who has made a significant impact on The Gambia’s music scene. Born on December 5, 1979, she hails from a family with a rich cultural background in Kuntair Jokadu, The Gambia. At the age of 9, Oumie traveled to Senegal for medical treatment where she was diagnosed with polio, altering her life’s trajectory. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Oumie pursued her education and completed her BMF Diploma in Senegal before returning to The Gambia.
Coming from a family of five, Oumie’s decision to stay in The Gambia marked a pivotal moment in her journey toward a music career. Inspired by her mother, a traditional musician, Oumie developed a passion for singing and immersed herself in musical rehearsals. Despite initially facing objections from her father, a school principal, Oumie’s determination to pursue her musical calling prevailed.
Oumie, a daughter of a renowned Gambian traditional musician, Ndey Mbye alias Gewel Jokadu, trained in gewel tradition by her mother in Jokadu moved from Jokadu to settle in Serrekunda in the Greater Banjul Area of The Gambia to elevate her musical career pursuits. She joined a few renowned artists like Lamin Saho, a Mading Kora player, as a choir, and later moved to Terrou Bii Band and from there to Five Star Band where she later joined the late Boye Njie and His Salsa Band then the late Leo Prom before she was introduced to Ma Ebou Secka of Ndanni Studio where she produced her first single called Bamba Jii. From thereon, her passion for music became unlimited.
Oumie established herself as a prominent figure in the Gambian music scene, her rendition of Brenda Fassie’s “Vulindlela” as “Puli Ndela” captured her to fame, showcasing her talent across the nation. This track, “Puli Ndela,” has become part of her identity to date while she has released more songs like Yabouy, My Father, and so on.
Oumie’s versatile vocal abilities in languages such as Wollof, French, and English have captured a diverse audience. Through her music, she aims to inspire and educate her listeners, blending genres like acoustic, salsa, mbalax, and Afrobeat. Despite a brief hiatus due to marriage, Oumie returned to the stage, captivating audiences with her captivating performances alongside esteemed artists.
Oumie Ngum Maissa immense contribution and performances in the industry have been on different occasions recognized by different organizations, also she was awarded by Panna Africa Algeria, Soul Sounds Joluv Arts, and Gambian Talents Promotion in its first annual Gambian Talents Awards as the Female Artist of The Year, and also received Certificate of Appreciations.
She had performed in different concerts both in The Gambia and outside the shore of the country, also, she had featured/performed in different concerts with great, popular artists from Senegal in The Gambia including Pap Diouf, Titi, Thione Secka, Pap et Sheik, and with many other Gambian musicians and was once invited by the Senegalese Mbalax Maestro, Yossou N’dour.
