The world of jazz like other artistic and musical industry is steadily moving and growing at an enviable pace in The Gambia.

In essence, the Jazz music is up and running on its feet in the country thanks to the newly established Senegambia Jazz Society (SGJS). The Senegambia Jazz Society is a non-profit making organisation established by committed hard working Jazz lovers with the objectives of sustaining the spirit of Jazz  in the country, through promotion of jazz music to its lovers, widely believed to have its origin right here in the Senegambia region and later spread into the international community.

It is also part of the organisation’s aims and objectives to be  organising an  annual Senegambia  Jazz festival, to establish music clubs in schools and encourage students to learn the world of music with specific reference to the Jazz music best described by many as a gentleman treat, and to showcase and exhibit  jazz musicians from the sub-region and beyond.

Above all, the Senegambia Jazz Society will for the first time in the history of the Gambian showbiz embark on  organising an annual jazz appreciation month coupled with periodic jazz workshops for students, jazz musicians and lovers.  Matar Njai, prominent Jazz writer, lover and coordinator,  in a recent chat with the Arts and Culture desk, spoke extensively  about the world of jazz, his life as a jazz writer, formation of the Senegambia Jazz Society, its aims and objectives among others. “The Senegambia Jazz Society was formed in October 2009 by lovers of the jazz music. Members are drawn from all walks of life in The Gambia, Senegal and beyond.

The membership comprised of diplomats, Jazz musicians, lawyers, business community, journalists and lovers of the jazz music. We are out to preserve, promote and develop the spirit of Jazz music in the country through commitment, backed by the use of innovative and creative ideals,” Mr Njai hinted the Arts and Culture desk with passion and love for the world of Jazz.

He revealed that the first live jazz show organised by the newly formed Senegambia Jazz Society, was held in the prestigious Sun Beach Hotel located in Cape Point, Bakau on  20th December 2009. This rare talent exhibition in the world of jazz featured Davie Moatruil, a renowned jazz musician from Canada, now residing in the Gambia. According to Mr Njai, the  Canadian borne jazz musician is known for his vocalist in piano instrument play at local and international level, adding that he is man blessed with rare qualities for Jazz  music. “His shows were a most to attend in Canada, America and other parts of Europe. Now he is right here in The Gambia and I hope Gambians will soon know him and make good use of his stay in the country to help  develop,  promote and preserve the spirit of arts and culture with special reference to the world of Jazz,” Mr Njai  remarked.

Further commenting on the the 20th December Jazz show, Matar Njai hinted that the programme was organised in collaboration with the management of the Sun Beach Hotel and further revealed that the show will be organised every Sunday of the week.
Those interested in this programme can dial the following numbers: 3935299 or 3925299.