By Yunus S Saliu
Alhaji Mbye Chow, who died on 12 February 2025 at the age of 90, was a well-known artist, arts administrator, and historian of Banjul. The Director General of the National Centre For Arts and Culture (NCAC) explained to this medium that Alhaji Mbye was a great promoter of culture and history.
According to Hassoum Ceesay, Alhaji Mbye served in all The Gambia National Troupes created between 1974 and 1995 as a performer and as administrator.
“He played a lead role in dance, theatre, and ballet in The Gambia. He was among The Gambian cultural troupe to attend the 1966 Festival of Black Arts in Dakar and FESTAC in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977. He was a true cultural ambassador,” DG Ceesay said.
He added that Alhaji Mbye was also a library as far as the history of Banjul families and elders was concerned. “We depended greatly on him for information about Banjul’s culture and history. He was my teacher,”
Alhaji Mbye worked at the NCAC as a Cultural Officer just before his retirement in 1989. He created the Kura Chow Dance Ensemble which was well-known for its original productions.
DG Ceesay, on behalf of the NCAC and the Gambian arts sector, conveys profound condolences to his family and prays for his soul to rest in peace.
