Gambians
both at home and abroad have donated a cash amount of D35,000 to the family of
the late Musa Ngum on 17 June, 2016 at a ceremony held at his residence in Kololi.
Ngum
was on a tour in Senegal, where he performed alongside his son Yusupha Ngum
(alias Jollofman) and Omar Pene at the club Just For You on 10 October, 2015.
He
was rushed to Le Dantec Hospital in the early hours on 11 October, and later
pronounced dead. He was laid to rest in Senegal 12 October, 2015.
The
deceased was the lead vocalist of Gelewarr - a renowned music band formed in
the 1970s. The late Musa Afia Ngum fought for Senegalo-Gambia unification
tirelessly using music as a tool to advocate for the two countries’
integration.
The
tribute committee was headed by the Gambia Music Union in The Gambia, while in
the Diaspora it was the Gambia Talents Promotions.
Kalilu
Banja, secretary general of the Gambia Music Union, said 48 hours after the demise
of the legend, the Gambia Music Union setup Musa Ngum Tribute Committee to help
sustain his legacy and raise funds to support his family.
He
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.
He
noted that the final phase will be to organize a tribute concert in October to
coincide with the anniversary of Musa Ngum’s death.
“The
committee is glad to announce that we have raised D35,000 through our Gofundme
account and individual donations,” he said.
He
said the committee thanks everybody who contributed in one way or the other
towards the success of this project, especially those who contributed
financially and the musicians who participated in the tribute songs.
Lai
Ngum, a veteran musician, said this is a laudable gesture. “We want to say thank you. The late Musa Ngum
will remain a legend in the Senegambia music industry because he worked for
it.”
Sheikh
Omar Jallow, director of performing arts at the National Centre for Arts and
Culture, describe the donation as very important.
“We
have an excellence award for our veterans in the pipeline, to award veterans
who have contribute immensely to the development of arts and culture in The
Gambia,” he said.
Dr.
Oliver Mboge, president of Gambia Music Union, said it is a good step, and
hoped the relationpshi will continue.
“The
late Musa has contributed a lot in the Senegambia music industry, as he was the
first musician to invent ndaga music,” he said. May God shower his blessings on
him.
