Among acclaimed music performer in Senegambia, well-know Gambian musician Mam Tamsir Njie must be one of the highest rated. With a career spanning many years, Mam Tamsir Njie has released many albums since he started music up to date. In fact, on account of his sterling contribution to the promotion of music in the country, he was given an award by President Yahya Jammeh during the 5th Kanilai International Cultural Festival for being a champion performer of Gambian music.
In a brief interview with Entertainment last Tuesday at his office in Banjul, Mam Tamsir Njie said this award is one of the biggest he has ever received. He used the occasion to say "thank you Mr President for honouring me with this award."
He told Entertainment: "I am really happy for winning this trophy at the Kanilai International Cultural Festival." He added that this award was given to him based on his performance in music, and particularly for his contribution to Gambian music and culture nationally and internationally. Mam Tamsir Njie, a renowned Gambian artist, who also works as a Senior Education Officer at the Ministry of Education in Banjul started singing since in the early 60s, when he was going to school.
Talking about his most recent album, which he said is about to be out in the market, he said it is his 19th album, and is entitled "Hero". The album contains eight tracks, and Mam Tamsir Njie thanked the Gambian leader for sparing his time and resources to promote Gambian music and culture.
He described the 5th edition of the Kanilai festival as a real success in terms of selling the image of the country. He also thanked Mr Pap Saine of the Point Newspaper for being among those who "gave me the courage and support in order to join the music scene."