Gambians donate to family of late Musa Ngum

Ngum’s death occurred in October last year, while he was on a tour in Senegal, where he performed along with his son Yuspha Ngum (alias Jollofman) and Omar Pene. He was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead. He was laid to rest the next day.

Ngum was the lead vocalist of Gelewarr, a renowned musical band formed in the 1970s. He campaigned for the Senegalo-Gambia unification tirelessly using music as a tool to advocate for the two countries’ integration.

The committee was headed locally by the Gambia Music Union in The Gambia. Gambia Talents Promotions took care of the Diaspora. Kalilu Banja, secretary general of the union said two days after the death, the Music Union instituted a Musa Ngum Committee. This was done to help sustain his legacy and support his family. They also condoled with the family.

Banja explained that the project started with the establishment of a Gofundme account to raise funds for the family followed by the production of two tribute songs, one of which was released in February of this year and another one yet to be released.

The final phase of the activities to commemorate Ngum’s death will be a tribute concert in October to coincide with the anniversary of Musa’s death. “The committee,” he said is “glad to announce that we have raised D35, 000 through our Gofundme account and donations.”

He added that the committee thanks everybody who contributed to the success of the project especially those who contributed financially, and the musicians who participated in recording the tribute songs.

First published in The Voice on Friday 26 June 2016