Gambia: Drums and dance to get government support

The pledge came at the Dance Gambia Championship, which was launched at the Ebunjan Theatre in Kanifing, Gambia.

The event is organised by Flex Fuzion Dance Academy and funded by the Youth Empowerment Project. It intends to give a chance to Gambian youths interested in taking dancing and drumming as a career.

Under the theme, "promoting culture and performing entrepreneurship", Dance Gambia will begin live performances on 6 to 21 April featuring ten dance groups and three soloists. The participants include Sunu Chossan, Musa B. Kamara, Edrissa Njie, alias Sininni, Destiny Boyz, Top Niggaz, K.C Reign, Pyrates, Unbeatable Squad, Karo Star and Alla Leake.

CEO Flex Fuzion Dance Academy Ndey Fatou Jabang said the programme will include mentorship of the participants to groom them on dance and drumming arts entrepreneurship.

“We need to break the barriers that make [the Gambian people] see dancing as a profession for the hopeless, she said. "And this requires the support of all. Support and encourage your children or siblings if they have a passion for dance and believe it's a profession like any other.

She urged the participants to continue to work hard and believe in their practice so they can “emerge as winners of the competition but above all leave with enough tools to kick start your journey as dance entrepreneurs”.

Hassoum Ceesay, the acting director of the General National Centre for Arts and Culture said his establishment is open to all stakeholders. “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.

His words were supported by the culture minister Hamat Bah. “We attach a lot of importance to dancing and drumming," Bah said, "but we urge you to be focused and maintain self-discipline.

"Let me assure you that 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.”