From the National Centre for Arts Culture;  A great promoter of the Roots International Festival, a strong supporter of Gambian musicians and a friend of The Gambia, Mr. Randolph Mike, died in Banjul recently after a brief illness.

Mr Mike hailed from Manchester, UK, and was a major promoter of the Roots Festival in the UK. On many occasions, he worked tirelessly with the Roots Festival Committee to publicize the event in the UK. He regularly attended the festival and always brought along friends. Of late, he had plans to live and work in The Gambia, a country he loved.

As a sound and electronics engineer and music promoter Mr Mike worked with Gambian Musicians to promote Gambian music. 'He had a special love and admiration and commitment to Gambian music, and the Gambia', said Laye Ngum, veteran Gambian musician and manager of Teranga beach club. 'His demise is a great loss to the Gambian music fraternity'.

Accordingly, the Director General of the NCAC and the Gambia Musician Association hereby appeal to all Gambian musicians to converge at Teranga beach club on Thursday to say a farewell to Mr Mike, their good friend. Condolences go to his friends, family and colleagues here and in the UK. May his soul rest in perfect peace.