Organisers of the Gam-Bissau Cultural Festival say the international event will create opportunities for Gambian artists to reach new audiences and strengthen cultural ties between The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.
The festival, scheduled for Friday, October 23, at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School grounds in Fajikunda, will bring together artists from both countries for a celebration of music and culture.
At a recent press conference, Allen Loppy, co-founder and manager of Vibes Major Events and Entertainment (MMEE), popularly known as DJ Vibes Major, said the initiative was conceived to connect artists and entertainers from the two neighbouring countries.
He said what began as an idea for another entertainment event developed into a broader initiative because of its potential to strengthen relations between the two nations. The festival, he added, also aims to promote their cultures and encourage tourism.
Loppy said the organisers had contacted individuals, organisations and government institutions in both countries and received positive responses. He commended the Guinea-Bissau Ambassador to The Gambia for helping mobilise resources and establish contacts with government institutions.
Amaro Pedro Dyli, a Guinea-Bissau artist popularly known as Kapa-Kapa, said he and fellow performers were prepared to give Gambian audiences an unforgettable experience. He will perform alongside Flavor Nice, DJ Dimas and other artists from Guinea-Bissau.
Pascal Mendy, known as Pascal Abuk, speaking on behalf of Gambian artists, welcomed the initiative, saying it could address the limited opportunities local performers often face in reaching audiences in neighbouring countries.
He thanked MMEE and Biyombo Promotion for organising the festival, noting that artists from neighbouring countries regularly perform in The Gambia while Gambian performers have fewer opportunities to do the same abroad.
The festival, he stated, would allow artists from both countries to collaborate, reach new audiences and develop their careers, urging Gambians to attend and support the initiative.
Sang Paul T. Mendy, a youth representative, said the event would reinforce historical and cultural connections shared by communities, including the Mandinka, Jola, Manjago and Balanta.
