Barely four days after a major donation to one of the rising stars of Gambian music, the president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh has again extended his magnanimity to another rising Gambian artiste, Malang Touray, popularly known as Jalex, with a donation of D0.5 million.

The money, which was handed over to the beneficiary on behalf of the Gambian leader by the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy at her residence in Fajara on Friday is meant for the young and rising musician to develop himself.

Speaking at the occasion, VP Njie-Saidy applauded Jalex and others for being innovative music-wise, and urged him to redouble his efforts, as he is young with a bright future. While noting that the music field has become competitive of recent, she promised that they would do whatever they can as a government. She also prayed for other young musicians to excel in their endeavours.

VP Njie-Saidy urged Gambians to support local musicians, pointing out that music is never an easy task as it requires sleepless nights. She reminded the gathering about the president’s unwavering love for the people of this country and his desire for every Gambian to realise his or her potential, while acknowledging that Gambians has also done a lot for the president.

She continued: “The president’s commitment to the musicians cannot be overemphasised. This is why he bought some musical instruments so that they cannot be tempted by outsiders. We have hope in all the young musicians because they have shown loyalty to the government.” The vice president went on to extol Jalex’s music innovations, which she said have earned him popularity in and outside The Gambia.

She them urged the young people and music beginners to emulate people like Jalex in terms of innovation. She also commended the National Centre for Arts Culture (NCAC) for bringing innovation in the field of music and urged all musicians to rally behind them.

On his part, Jalex expressed delight and thanked President Jammeh for the gesture, while praying for long life, happiness and prosperity for the Gambian leader. He spoke about the importance of musicians, saying they also play a significant role in nation building. He assured that the money will be put into good use adding that the musicians would do everything possible to elevate Gambia’s music to a very fundamental level.

Also addressing the gathering, Tijan Kamara, the chairman ofthe NCAC board, reminded Jalex that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. He said the president’s wish is to see that every Gambian prospers and plays a part in nation building. He then thanked the president for taking the bold step of assisting Gambian artistes.

Wood Re-exporters & Forest Users

The Wood Re-Exporters and Forest Users Association also on Friday presented the sum of D40, 000 to the government of The Gambia as part of their contribution to the national crop failure. The money was received by VP Njie-Saidy on behalf of the Gambian government, at her office at State House.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the minister of Forestry and Environment, Fatou Gaye, thanked the Association for their concern, saying the contribution would boost government’s efforts in helping the farmers of this country. “We are very grateful for your contribution and we want to assure you that the money will go a long way in benefiting the people affected by the crop failure,” she said.

Lamin Barrow, the chairman of the Association, also expressed hope that the amount would really complement government’s efforts in addressing the crop failure in the country. “We are always ready to complement the efforts of the government and we will always stand by the government in all areas,” he added.