Open Mic Festival to close the Gambian music-year

This year’s event, the ninth, is again organised by Black Lynx Entertainment. It will feature Bai Babu, ST, Gee, Royal Messenjah, Vypa, ENC, Jizzle, Lixen, Bobo Diimo, A2, Big Faa, New Era, MYK Jayda, Izzy T and Inspecta Chow Panachie. Humanity Starz Band and Holy Family Band will provide backing.

Abdoukarim Waagan Fye, coordinator of the Open Mic Festival, said the annual Open Mic Festival and monthly Open Mics continue to provide the biggest live-audience platforms for recording and performing artistes in the Gambia. He noted that the Open Mic festival has impacted urban Gambian music over the past eight years and has served as blueprint for many local concerts.

“It is also responsible for giving urban Gambian music its greatest gift, hope," he said, "hope that careers can be built and livelihoods earned by pursuing one’s passion for the art of music.

“Now that concerts by local acts are regularly filled to capacity; with artists and producers churning out more “banging” records; and radio giving us more local-music-oriented shows than ever, the TV too."

According to Fye, with the ardent support of an ever increasing and loyal following, the event has clocked over 100 monthly events (in various neighborhoods within the Greater Banjul Area and Western Region) and eight festivals.

“Independence Stadium, being the only venue big enough to host the multitudes is currently being prepared to handle the ever eager fans ready to witness what is hailed as Gambia’s Greatest Music Festival. We look forward to receiving each and every one of you at the Independence Stadium on Friday December 30th, 2016,” veteran music promoter said.

He urged all music lovers to attend the festival and help homegrown artists in elevating the status of music made in The Gambia.