VP hosts Smile Nation Foundation ahead of global youth arts showcase

During the meeting, Smile Nation Foundation Director Gibril Faal presented a certificate of appreciation to VP Jallow, recognising the government’s continued support for young creatives in The Gambia. Discussions centred on preparations for the KARDO competition, scheduled to take place in Stavropol, Russia.

The visit follows the successful national stage of the KARDO competition held in The Gambia, which spotlighted emerging talents in Hip Hop, DeeJaying, and Graffiti. These national winners will soon represent The Gambia on the global stage, showcasing the country’s vibrant youth culture.

Speaking at the event, Vice President Jallow praised Smile Nation and UNICEF for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through creative initiatives. He also commended the delegation from KARDO Gambia, emphasising the importance of international platforms in promoting Gambian talent.

“Our government remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower our youth,” VP Jallow stated. “You are not just artists—you are ambassadors of our nation.”

Mbye Bittaye, executive member of KARDO Gambia, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with national leadership.

“We are here to seek the blessings of our leaders before embarking on this journey. With the right support and preparation, we are confident we can raise The Gambia’s flag high in Russia,” he said.

Renowned visual artist and delegation member Mr Lamin Secka echoed the call for greater investment in the creative sector.

“We represent the voice, identity, and culture of The Gambia. To make an impact internationally, we need sustained national support,” Secka noted.

The courtesy visit underscored the growing recognition of the creative arts as a vital pillar of youth development and national representation. As Team Gambia prepares for Russia, the backing from national leadership reinforces a shared vision to elevate Gambian talent on the world stage.