Jamaican international reggae music icon, Luciano – “ Cabala - the Messenger”, as he is fondly called, on Wednesday 5th January 2011 met the president of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh at State House in Banjul.
Luciano was among the artistes invited to perform in the January 1st New Year musical concert held at the July 22nd Square in Banjul, The Gambia. Speaking to reporters shortly after his closed-door meeting with the Gambian leader, Luciano described his coming to The Gambia as a “Homecoming” and that “it is more than just a visit, and it is the beginning of my ‘initiation’.”
Shedding tears shortly after emerging from the closed-door meeting with President Jammeh, Luciano emotionally said: “It’s a joy and this is homecoming feeling – because when you are home you see family you haven’t seen for years. And what really has come home to me is the African Kingdom – we are still kings and queens” and “Mama Africa here I come – Back to my Root.”
He then praised President Jammeh, describing him as a “great leader doing a great job." Luciano also revealed to journalists his intention to participate in the forthcoming International Roots Home Coming Festival, saying, “I promised the president that I will be here and I have given my word to the honourable Minister of Tourism and Culture."
Also speaking to reporters shortly after her audience with President Jammeh on Wednesday 5th January 2011, Coumba Gawlo Seck, the Senegalese Mbalax star and a Kora award winner said her discussion with the Gambian leader centered on her visit to the country, and on the relationship existing between The Gambia and Senegal. She described the two countries as almost one, sharing the same customs, traditional values and many other things in common. She further stated that The Gambia is her second home.
Coumba also emphasized that she is very much delighted to come to The Gambia especially when invited by President Jammeh. She stated that she is impressed with the Gambian leader, acknowledging that he always invites her during his national festivities. She then thanked him for giving her the opportunity to participate in such national events in The Gambia.
Senegalese star Coumba Gawla Seck and President Jammeh
Coumba Gawlo Seck confirmed that she will participate in the forthcoming International Roots Home Coming Festival, saying: “ I will come and participate in the Roots Festival because President Jammeh has already invited me and I told you that The Gambia is my second home.”
Two other internationally renowned artistes who visited the president expressed their profound gratitude to the president of the Republic of The Gambia for availing them the opportunity to perform in the country’s January 1st - New Year grand musical concert in Banjul.
Bobo El Numero Uno of Radio London
Ms Pamela Maynard, a Canadian-based award winning and international recording artiste and Bobo El Numero Uno of Supreme Radio London, and one of United Kingdom’s finest radio DJs, expressed gratitude to his Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr Alhaji A J J Yahya Jammeh for providing them the platform to perform at the recent grand musical concert held at the July 22nd Square in Banjul, as part of activities marking the New Year celebrations.
Ms Maynard disclosed that she performed at a gala dinner held at the Cocoa Ocean Hotel, where she thrilled her Gambian fans in particular, and secondly, she put up a marvelous and thrilling performance for lovers of pop music in general on Saturday December 31st 2010 at the July 22 Square in the city of Banjul. She acknowledged the hospitality and friendliness of Gambians during her short stay in the country, and said it is the reason for her wanting to come back again.
Maynard then used the opportunity to thank Waka J, a Senegambian music promoter cum producer and host of a popular television show dubbed "Talk Senegambian TV Show, produced on Ben TV in the UK for making her coming to The Gambia possible. She said: "I love Gambia and the people of this country and I am honoured to be invited by the Gambian leader to perform at the July 22 Square before thousands of people."
The versatile star has featured in over 11 mega compilation projects in her musical career excluding her own three debut CD albums. She said over the years, she had performed in a series of international concerts both in the UK, Canada and the US. Pamela has equally recognised and appreciated President Jammeh’s efforts in supporting Gambian women. She again expressed thanks and appreciation to President Jammeh for what she described as the successful launching of the National Women’s Federation of The Gambia as well as making the ’mothers of creation’ his government’s priority.
"I am so happy to be here in the Smiling Coast of Africa and big up to all women of this country. Any time I am invited to perform in The Gambia, I will be more than willing to come back. God bless the people of The Gambia and I love them all," the international star concluded.
For his part, Bobo El Numero Uno also expressed similar sentiments. The Jamaican-born world acclaimed DJ said: “I am very happy to be in the cradle of civilisation which is Mama Africa. It’s a dream come true for me and I love the country. The people are friendly and hospitable.” He also thanked international promoter Waka J for making the trip happen.
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