Youssou N’Dour: Gambia has huge potential

The Senegalese music icon was speaking at a concert organised by GSM operator Africell at Kairaba Avenue. He noted that although a new government was in place, it cannot do everything desired by the country. Part of the responsibility must be carried by the private sector, which is what brings development, he said.

“Governments come and go, but the country remains,” he added. “My message to the Gambian youths is that when God helps you, you should help yourselves.

N’Dour also called on Gambian youths to contribute their utmost in developing the Gambia: “Those going to school should take their education seriously and those who cannot acquire education should learn skills”.

Last year, N’Dour donated 75 million CFA to the musicians of his country after winning the Praemium Imperiale, an international art prize given by the imperial family of Japan on behalf of the Japan Art Association.

At the Kairaba concert, Youssou also admonished young Gambians on the need to be focused, saying: “The most shameful thing in this world is when one goes to his or her father or uncle asking for a job and when asked what type of job they want, they go whatever job you can give me is okay”.