This comes after a keenly contested national event held in June at Africell-KMC Park in Serrekunda, ahead of the Grand Finale to be held in Russia.
The national event, organised in partnership with KARDO and the Smile Nation Foundation, attracted youth, creatives and cultural enthusiasts.
Competitions were held across four main categories namely; Dejaying, Hip-hop Dance, Graffiti and Rap, with standout performances by some of The Gambia’s most promising talents.
Those selected, will now travel to Russia to compete against other national winners from over 110 countries, in what is believed to be world’s only award dedicated exclusively to the development of street culture and sports.
The competition, in its 8th season, seeks to showcase talent across 12 disciplines including BMX, Parkour, Breaking, Skateboarding, and more. The Gambia’s inclusion, especially with four-strong categories, marks a significant milestone in the nation's engagement with global street culture.
Gibril Faal, also known as DJ G Faal, who is the ambassador of KARDO in The Gambia and Director of the Smile Nation Foundation, described the initiative as a new and exciting chapter for Gambian creative industry.
“We’re not just participating. We’re building a sustainable platform for future generations.”
G Faal also emphasised that KARDO will now be hosted annually in The Gambia, paving the way for deeper international cultural collaboration and continued exposure for young artistes.
The KARDO award, he said, is more than a contest, as it is a social initiative aimed at empowering youth, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating positive narratives around street culture.
With support from both state and non-profit sectors, he said that the initiative seeks to close bridges between nations through cultural and sports diplomacy.
Moreover, this year, 16 national stages are being held globally, including in France, Chile, China, Iran, and Morocco. Each stage includes the signing of cooperation agreements to further develop cultural exchange and youth empowerment efforts.
Meanwhile, as the Gambian team prepares to fly the national flag high in Russia, DJ G Faal called on all stakeholders and the government to support the Gambian team both in financial and logistical aspects.
“This is a once in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the right backing, our team can shine on the global stage and maybe even bring a trophy back home.”
He equally encouraged all fans and supporters of Gambian arts and culture to cheer the team by helping them leave with confidence and represent the Smiling Coast with pride.
Participants
Lamin Seck (Mun Jollof) – Graffiti
Moses Kanform (DJ Ziggler) – DJing
Bai Ndondi – Hip-hop Dance
