Mr Sulay Sowe,president of Music Union of the Gambia (MUSI-GAM),described 2009 as a year of package for artists and musicians in the Gambia.

"The Union intends to embark on series of capacity building and other promotional activities for the Gambian artists and musicians. The Union wants to utilize potentials of its members and "do every thing possible towards achieving these lofty goals", Mr Sowe told the Arts and Culture anchorman in a recent chat upon his return from  Durban,South Africa artist and  musical conference,held from 4th to 6th December 2008.

Organised by  prominent international music promoters called the International Film Festival and sponsored by LOT- TCO as well as other music and film promoters throughout the world.  The conference according to him, was exclusive music and artists unionist, which aimed among other things towards promoting,developing and preserving the spirit of music and artistic profession in Africa and the world at large.

He revealed that,MUSI-GAM is planning to join the International Music Promotion body adding that,the union had already sent an application to that effect and they are waiting for approval.

The Gamia music union leader spoke on the need to adopt what he called measures applicable in other countries for any foreign artists coming to the Gambia for performance, to secure permit to that effect. This measure,according Mr Sowe,will be utilized to build capacities of Gambian artists and also help the union to carry out its operations.

He explained that,Gambian music has been divided into three main segments such as traditional, modern and live music.

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