SEMESTER - A Club whose Membership is Shrouded In A Myriad Of Social Dilemma

Semestermania currently gutting and trending on Gambian Social media.One has to understand the connotation of "Semester" before accepting to be associated or described by this nomenclature. Growing up in Banjul, my understanding of Semester used to describe holiday makers predominantly from Bundas (Germany), Oslo and Stockholm in the mid 80s and early 90s. These holiday makers were known for their extravagant life style, sense of style and excessive display of material wealth mostly cars and money. They distinguished themselves from holiday makers from UK, USA and other western cities. Cafe Texaco, Tropicana, Oasis, Il Mondo, Bellengho, Club 98 were the spots these people frequented and they have left an indelible mark in the story of Gambian expatriates returning home to celebrate their fortunes. Hotels such as Novotel, BB, Sunwing, Kotu Strand were the rendezvous that these self made Gambians lodged for their escapades in the sunny smiling coast. This chapter of our social narrative created mythical legends that will forever be remembered for their lifestyle and exploits on the streets of Banjul as they were blue chip holiday makers. This chapter of our oral history cannot be told without mentioning iconic semesters such as Jurgor (Georgie), Njily Mbye (Lamin Sowe), Schoolen (Kebba Buya), BatchSamba Nyang Small Jarbo, Foo (Alpha Ceesay) Pai Njie, Wahab Faye, Papa soumbundou, Bongay and many others who really illuminated the social scene. These men took holiday making to another level never before seen in the Gambia. Time come and time past and current holiday makers are referred to semesters but the game plan is not the same and can't never be the same.

I am blessed to have witnessed the tail end of the last generation of Gambians and I do live and operate in the epicenter of this generation and nothing compares to what I have seen in the late 80s. Semester bashing and the exhibition of material excesses by so called modern"semesters" highlights an undertone that is deeply rooted in social deficit cum complex. Unfortunately materialism has become a way for many to socially impose their existence in society for recognition and acceptance. Equally, the locals do feel oppressed by the excessive exhibition of wealth being flaunted by the semesters. For any action to take root in society, it has to be endorsed, accepted and promoted by society. Our society rewards, promote and champion the semester lifestyle as success is measured on that yardstick. Education is not champion or promoted any longer. What one drives and the amount of noise made has become the yardstick of success. Instant gratification has become the Gambian way and the so called semesters have mastered the craft and they play along the scripted drama called the new Gambia. Therefore lets not kill the semesters cos they are just characters in the scripted play called the Gambia where materialism and joni joni are the the barometers of success. Jollof is as complex as the color palette that makes up the spectrum and the more we try to understand it, the more it highlights the weaknesses inherent in our psyche and most often, they are socially oriented and anchored on materialism and vanity. Welcome to Jollof a sick nation that needs internal and external healing from wounds of material deprivation and mental imbalance that promotes inferiority syndrome that is exhibited in showering worldly excesses to be seen or heard.

The fuel that is igniting semesterism is POVERTY and a degenerate value system. The elders of our society not only endorse semesterism but promote it by welcoming these holiday makers to their bedrooms as they are sponsors of the very life style they enjoy. Poverty breeds the look of no hope like God over looked us when he dished out his graces. People put their souls as collateral on this roller coaster ride to materialism. Gambia makes you an opportunist as the get rich quick scheme kills the raw talent in us and leave us with our infantile education that corrupt our perception of the truth. The road to salvation for the Gambian is through the eradication of poverty as liberation of the mind starts with economic independence. Mind you there is a difference between poverty eradication and poverty alleviation. Alleviating poverty reduces the suffering but does not breed independence. Economic opportunities are key to social upward mobility and this fosters an independent mind and an independent mind creates a social construct that will usher the  "New Gambian". The new Gambian will usher in prosperity to this land we call the smiling coast. The sooner Gambians think introspectively on the mirror and see themselves (us) as the problem ailing this beautiful country, the sooner we can fix it. Self denial is a cancer that plagues us and a therapeutic session starts with owning up to our fuck ups (sorry for the lingo).

The Emergence Of A Creative Industry & The Begining Of A Viable Business Sector In Africa

Socioeconomic development is generally a deliberate attempt to direct the trajectory that a society progresses for the attainment of economic prosperity. This is generally executed with a development tool kit guided by a viable public policy blueprint. Development especially in third world countries has been seen as the construction of public infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals bridges etc) for the longest. This is a fallacy and we need a shift in paradigm for an accelerated and sustained economic growth. 

Socioeconomic development has shifted significantly from the tangibles to the abstract particularly in the area of intellectual property rights especially in the sphere of the creative industry (Music, illustrative art and the performing arts). Going by our demographic distribution, we boast of a society that constitute a vibrant youth population whose biggest ailment is unemployment. This malaise can be ameliorated if public policy practitioners understand this demographic segment and their needs. I spent my Saturday morning on SoundCloud listening to "Gambian Music" and I realized a disconnect between public policy initiatives and our creative industry. We need to look at the creative industry as a means to prevent poverty and create gainful employment; and if the government subscribe to this notion, then public policy practitioners should should design policy to attain the set objectives. There are developing societies who are raking the economic dividends inherent in having a youth population. Nigeria and Jamaica are shining examples. The creative industry has become a staple export for these countries and consequently an avenue to boost employment and prevent the incidence of poverty. We need to understand the societal needs in order to cater for them. A structured creative industry with fiscal concessions and inducements can add value to the macro economic environment both in terms of revenue receipts for the exchequer and individual development of participants in the sector. Exports are not only in the form of commodities. We can also export intangibles. Public policy has to be dynamic and responsive to shifts and detours in societal needs. Welcome to 2015 Africa where the youths are expressing themselves creatively and this expression has to be monetized.

What Is A Gambian? A Thought Provoking Notion Of Self

My name is Gambia. I am a tiny speck of land nestled in the heartland of Senegal and the mouth of my river emptying its riches on the mighty Atlantic. I am often regarded as the thorn that pricks the ass of my elder brother, Senegal. My journey in life has been eventful and mostly filled with horrors of the slave trade, colonial dominance and self inflicted wounds. I have undergone the transformation and decolonization of my psyche from colonial dominance and the imposition of self pride has been the consequential effect of this process. My offsprings are called Gambians and being a Gambian entails certain prerequisites that affirms ones Gambian-ness. First, one has to believe in me and that constitute an unreserved love, duty and honor to me. Secondly, one has to accept my ethnic diversity which has been my weakness during colonial rule but I have reoriented it to be a strength in post colonial Gambia. Thirdly, I have evolved considerably over the years and it has been a journey filled with tribulation, disappointment and self inflicted wounds of hate and despair. In this journey, I devised a philosophy called GAMBIANIZATION. This philosophy embraces everything that positively projects my image and serves my interest (socially, politically and economically). I need my own role models, my own professional cadre (doctors, judges, engineers etc), my own entertainers and business men. Gone are the days that I allow outsiders to loot, control my economic sphere or impose economic dominance on my kin and kindred. My children (Gambians) are the lot I will choose from for any public or private procurement. My children are each others keeper. Stealing from me tantamount to disinheriting ones self. One CANNOT call his/herself a Gambian if you cannot subscribe to my worldview. The choice is yours, I rather be the only Gambian, than have good for nothing children who bicker, steal from me or make me look bad in the eyes of the world. I am Gambia the land that radiates its smile on the face of Africa as the sun rises over the flat plains of my majestic river and kisses the Golden sunset as it fades away in the distant horizons across the warm calm waters of the mighty Atlantic. I am proud to be GAMBIA. One people under the elongated banks of my majestic river that meanders through Bintang Bolong, Sami Bolong, Sofa Nyama, Alayhinaa Bolong, Bao Bolong, Tendaba, Balengho, Tumani Tenda, Juffureh, Sitaa Joheh, Sita Nunku, Albadarr, Tankularr and all the way to the foothills of the Futa Njallon where I find my source. My children why art thou forsaken me? I have over generations sired many good sons and daughters who in one way or another contributed immensely in the propagation of my ideals and yet they have vanished in oblivion. Gratitude and hospitality has been the hallmark of my existence and of late my children have morphed into ungrateful zombies that are unbecoming of Gambia. I implore on my sons and daughters to have a national holiday called "Heroes Day" to celebrate my proud sons and daughters who relentlessly worked hard in pursuit of a better life and livelihood for mother Gambia. These include, great teachers, politicians, historians, sports men/women and the common man who believed in my ideals. I raised you to be better than what you have become. Take a pause and think hard what it entails to be a GAMBIAN. We are one for all and all for one.

Biri Biri Stadium - The Time is Now

I am an accidental writer whose plume is often driven by emotional outburst and yearning for a better global society. Charity begins at home and I am poised to digitized my thoughts electronically with regards to Alhagie Momodou Njie Biri Biri and the debt owed to him by Gambia and Gambians at large. I have known this man all throughout my life and he has always been the man next door. His grandeur and demigod status never dawn on me because of his humility and the ingratitude of the society he lived in. Growing up in a footballing household, my dad religiously took me to the Box Bar Stadium to watch the likes of Biri Biri, Butut Joof and many other greats ply their trade in the muddy pitch of Box Bar. I have vivid memories of Pa Ngoose Njie of blessed memory watching his son and super star play for Walidan against many league teams as he protectively guarded Biri against the onslaught of frenzy defenders. The magical Biri is no match to Ebrima Ba Eusebio of Senegal, Sega Saho, Cherno Youm, Oumar Gaye Sene, Youssouf Fofana or even Roger Miller in his hay day. It is rather unfortunate that this footballing prodigy and genius hailed from a country called Gambia. Here is a man who single handedly branded The Gambia in Northern and Southern Europe during his stints at B1901 and Sevillla in Denmark and Spain respectively. I was also privileged to have been his student at GHS for 3 years and I saw in him a man who has given a lot and was not rewarded accordingly.


My blog about Biri is a continuation of the Musa NGum Saga. I consider Biri Biri and Abdel Kabir Ngum the "last of the Mahicans" with regards to Gambians who attained legendary status in their chosen fields of work. We have lost many a great men that went to their graves without the proper recognition and gratitude befitting of their exploits and national sacrifice. A Gambian Wall of Shame will have the inscription of names such as Paps Touray, Malando Gassama, Musa Ngum, Labba Sosseh, Lalo Kebba Drammeh, Henry Haffner and many others who have faded into obscurity within the Gambian narrative. This attitude should not be tolerated nor accepted by our generation. We should be the custodian of our collective conscience and as such safe guard the integrity of our narrative for posterity. In so doing, we need to acknowledge the work and contribution of great men and women who hoisted the Gambian flag and made us all proud. If European fans who were not even born when Biri Biri dazzled the Southern Mediterranean city of Sevilla with his magic by worshiping him as a demigod and an idol. Then I see no reason why his native homeland cannot see value in him to not only idolize him, but give him the dignity and respect he deserves from us. just like the Romans said earlier in history "Give Caesar whats due to Caesar" equally Gambia needs to give Biri whats due to Biri. Generally, I would have commissioned a petition to the Minister of Sports to Rename the Independence Stadium to Biri Stadium for his exploits in furtherance Gambian Sports particularly Football and his efforts as a Good Will Ambassador for Brand Gambia but instead, I will for the first time address my blog with humility and respect to the Gambian in Chief, His Excellency the President of the Republic to exercise his discretionary powers bestowed on him by the constitution of the republic to usher in a new dawn by not only according Biri a Celebration befitting of his exploits but to humbly Rename the Independence Stadium to Biri Biri Stadium on behalf of all well meaning Gambians who appreciate his work and contribution in sports development in our dear mother land. This plea is devoid of politics and see nothing but the brotherhood and collective national ideals that binds us to together as people of the soil we call Gambia. I have traveled extensively in all corners of the globe and most if not all national edifices (Stadiums, Airports, National administrative buildings etc) are named after great sons and daughters who in one way or another contributed immensely into nation building. Biri is the first Gambian professional player and he has left a legacy in Europe that is as fresh ah the days he played in the European leagues.

To whom much is given, much is expected and some of the sons and daughters of the Gambia have given tremendously to the state and people of the Gambia and therefore, we the people of the great nation of the Gambia MUST show gratitude for their steadfastness and relentless pursuit in promoting the Gambian Ideals. We need historical references to validate the Gambian narrative. Periodic anecdotal mentions in passing will not fortify our psyche in our quest to build a thoroughbred Gambian identity. As I grab my plume with a firm fist whilst scribbling this blog, I lament the fact that the Gambian has a hybrid identity that permeates into all facets of our lives but in a negative way. The sooner we honestly go through decolonization of our minds, the better for all and our beloveth Gambia. Decolonization starts with self pride and self love and for this to take root, we need to rewrite our narrative and create and sustain heroes along the way. I have Never heard names such as Ekundayoh Emanuel Mahoney, M.E. Jallow and many others who in one way or another added in the story called the Gambian narrative made mention of, or even referenced in our national life. THIS HAS TO STOP AND IT HAS TO STOP NOW. What good is a legend if he/she is six feet deep.? Gambians need to have a rude awakening and purge the remnants of colonialism in our psyche. The colonial effect allowed us to hate each other and this is still evident in our discourse and interactions with each other. Positive mindset is what the doctor prescribed for the sons and daughters of the Gambia. Ollof Njie neh "waah sa mbaah he morom waignyu wout dara si sa buss" besides " kufi def lu baah nyu waah koh" Penchoum Gambia sohlaa na set settal li khol ak halat pur askan be muna dem kanam. The Washington's, Adam's Jefferson's, Lincoln's and Churchill's are no greater men than the PS Njie's, Omar Mbacke's, Wassa Touray's and the Sanjali Bojang's. The only difference is their societies preserved them for posterity by naming national days and edifices in honor of them. It's never too late to  do whats right. The time for Biri Biri Stadium is NOW.

Once Bitten, Twice Shy - A Critical Look Into The Convoluted Gambian Psyche

Legends are mythical characters who awe and shock mere mortals whilst in their midst. Musa Afia Ngum Aka Bala Jiggi Musa was a legend in his own right whose music and philosophy was seemingly misunderstood by mainstream society. He had a unique Gambian sound that propelled him to international notoriety. The death of Musa Ngum once again opens a painful chapter in our lives as Gambians that we need to revisit. When I hear names such as Lalo Kebba Drammeh, Paps Touray and Malando Gassama, I feel very low of my Gambian-ness and wonder what the xxxx is wrong with us as a collective. A posthumous tribute to Musa Ngum by the Gambia will be a great dis-service to his work and person for he needed the public to support his work when he was productively working. The respect, love and support our dearly departed Musa Afia Ngum enjoyed from our bretheren across the border should put us to shame. kufii deff lu baah nyou waah koh and that's why our Senegalese cousins celebrated Musa Ngum. That's Senegal for you a country with substance whose nationalistic tendencies are second to none in Africa. The polity is civil and not destructive unlike their bretheren across the border. My admiration for the Senegalese is their level of political maturity and heightened love for country. There are a lot of things we can learn from them and it starts with squashing the pettiness, character assassination and pulling each other down. 

The contemporary Gambian finds it hard to celebrate or recognize each other rather we spend time being authorities in the lives of people we know nothing about. I often wonder what sets us apart from our relatives on the other side. Musa was at the highest of spirits on the eve of his demise because he was accorded the love and dignity he deserved by his Senegalese fans, fellow artist such as Oumar Penn and also the media fraternity. He had to return to his musical Mecca to put the seal on an illustrious career that his fellow Gambian compatriots could not see in him. Periodically, God gives us an opportunity as a society to reflect and reorient but we still get stuck in our whirlwind of negativity and innuendos. God bless us as our redemption will not be easy as we are one wicked and contrite bunch. We had Paps Touray, Senomi Taylor and now Musa Ngum. When will we see greatness in ourselves? Salvation starts from within. Gambia have sons and daughters worthy of celebrating. Celebrating each other should be an endeavor devoid of partisan politics. Any well meaning son of the soil should see value and credence in its sons and daughters who are promoting Gambian ideals be it cultural, political, economic or educational. I am of the view that the Gambian hasn’t completed the therapy or journey of decolonization. Our past has an impact on who we are and how we react to ourselves today. This sickness is always manifested in our dealings with each other. It's easier for us to see value in others than ourselves. We generally tend to hire the services of international consultants to tell us what we already know about us even the mundane of things. Mental emancipation is the deficiency that is lacking in the humanity of the Gambians and it's called "Gom Sa Bo paa". All is not lost but we need to purge our minds and hearts of this ailment I called a chip on our shoulder. Generally, this is a complex that most Gambians suffer from and it is often exhibited with words such as "Hiy kii kiagne laffi" "Haa mut bo paam" "Dafa dang Ngam" etc. These negative nuances and connotations breeds discontent and therefore bring about perceived demerits of what an individual is entitled to. It's sad to know that Senegal didn't only adopt Lalo Kebba as a Senegalese but they claim proprietary right on him to the point that they called him their worthy son. Who is worthy enough to be celebrated as a son of this soil other than the likes of Musa Ngum, Biri Biri, Mustapha Njie (TAF), Ousainou Dambel and many unsung heroes who are quietly pushing more than their weight by adding value to Brand Gambia. Let’s celebrate the greats in our midst whilst they are still alive.  Familiarity breeds contempt and being around and available makes the Gambian to look at our stars and great men as the next person. These people are our heroes and progressive societies MUST have heroes and role models for continuity and reference. Adieu king of Akaasaa and hope we take time and reflect how we collectively reduce ourselves to nothing.

In conclusion I will once again bring to the fore front the issue of Alhagie Momodou Njie Biri Biri. This gentleman has done over and beyond his call of duty for the Gambia and deserves an indelible mark in our lives. The Independence Stadium should be renamed in honor of this living legend. My comparison is always our immediate neighbors Senegal. Most if not all their national edifices bore the names of their heroes Demba Diop, Iba Mar Diop, Stade Leopald Sedat Senghor, Stade Amadou Barry etc. For a nation to have continuity it needs reference and these are the iconic sons and daughters of the land. Lets purge ourselves of self inflicted pity and hate.

Reparations For Slavery - The Moral Move For The Closure Of The Wounds of Slavery

The African has been mentally and emotionally conditioned to down play the effects and significance of slavery in our lives. The idea of Trans Atlantic reparations has been floated around for over a century and 40 acres and a mule was promised to freed slaves in the USA and repatriation was also offered to our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean. Africans for the longest have sidelined the idea of reparations as it has never been palatable for our former colonials. Proceeds of slavery and slave labor built the west as we know it today. The intricate rail networks and the cities are the result of free labor. The word "free" is loosely used in this essay because the African slaves never received a dime for their sweat and tears in the new world. Slavery robbed the African of his dignity, displaced him and hitherto lead to the under development of the African continent. The cost of Slavery to Africa has both real cost and opportunity the cost. Therefore the formula for financial reparations have to be in-depth and inclusive of what the African could have engaged in hadn't  it been that his development trajectory has been interrupted by the Europeans.

Slavery as we knew it then was sanctioned by the European states with a blessing from the church (Pope). The endorsement of this horrendous act by both church and state empowers the African to demand from the European governments what is rightfully owed to them. The issue of slavery has somehow been at a mute point since the emancipation proclamation was announced. Life went on for the African and her descendants in the new world without a clear cut closure regarding the horrendous atrocities of the Europeans. Personally, I am of the view that reparations for slavery is a moral and legitimate request by African nations and the descendants of Africans living in the diaspora. The Jews have been duly compensated by the Germans for wrongful imprisonment and forced labor. Reparations starts with a solemn declaration of atonement by the European Union and the Government of the United States of America.  Sovereign Debt cancellation by Paris Club lenders is a way forward for starters and we have historic precedence regarding debt cancellation in the form of HIPC I  (Highly Indebted Poor Countries) and HIPC II initiatives. This will help free up fiscal resources that would have otherwise been used to pay of debt to be mobilized in priority areas such as health, agriculture and education. The reparation initiative has to be brought forward as a collective class action by the African Union on behalf of member states who were gravely affected by slavery. Furthermore, there exist historical facts detailing the complicity of corporate titans in facilitation of the slave trade. These corporations should and must be brought to book to pay for their willful participation on the horrendous enterprise of human abduction and trading. The Jews have been going after companies including banks that were complicit in the holocaust so why can't we do the same?