Gambian govt to introduce 80% local music on radio

Bah says the new quota regulation will stipulate that at least 80% of all music played on local radio stations be Gambian.

He said this measure was part of the government’s efforts to support the Gambian music industry and to redirect and refocus the Gambian populace towards the values and virtues of their culture.

Bah was speaking recently at the capital Banjul where his ministry presented cheques for 405 000 Gambian dalasi ($8 200) to the organisers of 14 local ommunity festivals.

“We have seen how Gambian artists could have been rich, but instead die on the streets in poverty because there was no system in place to protect them," he said. "People benefit from their products and they get nothing in return.” He added that the Gambia could not afford to be dominated by foreign music "when our artists are here and can be supported".

"To put a stop to this we are going to introduce a regulation that will ensure all music played on our radio stations is regulated by law and that 80% of the content must be Gambian,” he said.

Bah said nothing would stop the country's legislators from enforcing the law, adding that it is pathetic that despite the good work Gambian musicians have done, they are reduced to being paupers because they are not provided for or protected by the government.

He said the government wanted to create 20 000 jobs by 2021 and that the country’s arts and culture scene had the potential to realise this ambition with support by the National Centre for Arts and Culture.