Gambia: ST Brikama Boyo meets with President Adama Barrow

The rapper, who is also known as ST Da Gambian Dream, voiced his concerns during a meeting with President Adama Barrow meant to secure support for the music industry. Boyo also discussed the work of his ST Foundation for community development.

During the closed-door meeting, the Brikama-born musician briefed Barrow about the development initiatives of his non-profit organisation, including sponsorship packages for students, COVID-19 relief support, and community support programmes for the needy.

“My foundation is neither political nor issue-specific, as we intervene and help address the most pressing challenges local communities and young people often struggle with,” Boyo said.

The musician also told Barrow about his foundation’s progress in raising awareness about drug and substance abuse among the country’s young people. He described the issue as a social menace that increased the rate of petty crime and other social delinquencies. Boyo rapper said drug abuse could eat away the future of young people if it was left unchecked.

“There are so many creative and talented youths out there,” Boyo said. “We must be able to channel their energy positively to become productive citizens." The musician added that the music and creative arts sector could act as an ideal entry point for young people.

According to the rapper, his foundation would engage influential community leaders and experts to spearhead a campaign against drug abuse.

Barrow said he was encouraged to see the Gambian music industry progressing and agreed about the need of talent engagement for young people in the country. He pledged to look into the issues raised and described arts and culture as a priority for his administration, indicating that the sector had received an unprecedented budget allocation this year.