‘Gambian hip hop can help nation-building’

It is against this backdrop that hip hop artist Killa Ace through his advocacy movement Team Gomsa Bopa recently convened a day's seminar on The Power of Hip Hop at the Alliance Franchise along Kairaba Avenu.

Cognizant of the fact that youths compose the majority of stakeholders in the music scene, the seminar was a prelude to the return of its monthly hip hop concert Cypher Rap Battle, which kicked off recently. It was designed to highlight the positive role of hip hop in bringing about positive changes in society and attracted scores of artists, producers and other stakeholders in music.

Highlighting the importance of hip hop, Africell head of corporate affairs Musa Cisse went down memory lane to the evolution of the genre, saying that the importance of music in national development cannot be overemphasised.

However, he called on young people in the scene to be responsible with their music and always bear in mind the community and the country they represent.

“Activism has found itself in hip hop in a manner probably lessons needs to be learnt both educationally and morally," Cisse said. "Today in our new dispensation, activism has become some sort of moral high ground for youngsters of our present day generation thinks that it is a platform that they can claim and be extremely as possible. I belong to the old school and I don't believe in that. I believe in education, creating awareness and responsible activism."

He reminded youngsters in the hip hop scene to be responsible in their activism, so as to impact positively in their communities and the country at large. He spoke about his institution's resolve to support and harness the talents of young poeple in music.

Ali Cham, aka Killa Ace, President of Team Gomsa Bopa underscored the power of hip hop, saying the genre is lucrative and could boost the tourism of any country. “If our artistes are represented in big international festivals obviously they are selling the image of the Gambia Internationally. Hip hop also creates employment for people.

The rapper-cum-activist also spoke about their line-up events for 2018, saying there is need to promote the genre at the grassroots settings. Killa Ace shot to international fame following the release of his hit single Ku Boka C Geta G, in which he speaks against social injustices, oppression, corruption and lack of freedom of expression under the former regime. Since then he alongside Team Gomsa Bopa continue to spearhead meaningful campaign to increase citizen’s awareness, thereby promoting hip hop music in the country.