Gambia ready for Mavado concert

Also scheduled to perform at the event, a collaboration between Big O Entertainment and Viva Entertainment, is Ghana reggae-dancehall act Stonebwoy. Representing Gambia at the concert are a slew of artists including A2, Mighty Joe, Maha D Hammer, MYK Jayda, Omid Wisdom, Hussan, Chanta, Maha MSB, Iyka Yannick, Franky Flint and DJ Bola Mansa.

“All is set and tickets are being sold," music promoter Mustapha Jallow said this week. "We are doing a lot of promotion online and Mavado will arrive in Gambia on Thursday with some artists from the US and we are calling on all to support the event.”

The US-based Mavado has a large following in the Gambia. He came into prominence after the release of his first single 'Real McKoy' in 2004. A succession of singles led to the release of his 2007 debut album Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks. Since then the singer has collaborated with such acts as Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Drake. He has also worked with African artists including Nigerian rapper Vector and Ghana's Shatta Wale.

Speaking about the forthcoming concert, DJ Bola Mansa said the concert was certain to be successful as Mavado had lots of fans in the Gambia. Viva Entertainment CEO Absa Touray agreed. “We are expecting spectacular performances from all performing artists, especially our headline act Movado,” she said. “We are hoping that this concert will boost tourism in the Gambia.”