Gambians donate D35,000 to late Musa Ngum’s family

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.