At a recent press conference, Kalifu Banja, the secretary general of the Music Union of The Gambia, thanked Biddy’s Promotions for the move adding that it was geared towards promoting Gambian music. “It is not easy to do such a job as it took her so long and now she has come to the final day,” he said. The main aim and objective of the event is to award outstanding performers specifically musicians and singers in order to encourage them to be more committed, as they try to build together an vibrant music industry in The Gambia.”
Ida Bidwell, the chief executive officer of Biddy’s Promotions, thanked all who supported them for their efforts.
She added: “I came with this idea to motivate and support Gambians artistes. We really have talents in the country but they are not showing up.”
She lamented the poor turnout of Gambians during shows staged by Gambian artistes as compared to the numbers that show up during events by international artistes in the country.
“People can be voting online at www.themogulentertainments.com and the text on GSM operators will start by next week,” she said. “We are still working with the GSM operators after which they will send everyone a text on how to vote.”
Bidwell who is the former wife of Banjul Night Live producer, Muhammed Mbowe nicknamed Moeblac, urged stakeholders in the industry to come out and support Gambian musicians like the way they are supporting their international counterparts.
For his part, the president of Gambian Music Union, Oliver Mboge thanked Ida Bidwell for the move adding that the event will go a long way in ensuring that Gambian artistes are recognised for their talents.
The event, he said, is not meant for the artistes alone but all creators are invited to showcase their talents.
Mboge acknowledged that the country’s music is developing and that it is high time for people to support our local talents. “Music is one way of making fast money and development,” he said.
Others speakers included Salifu Kujabi, a board member of the Collecting Society Board, who thanked Ida Bidwell and all her supporters for coming up with a brilliant idea.
The categories for the award include; ‘Artiste of the Year 2014, ‘Best Female Artiste 2014’, ‘Best Male Artiste 2014’, ‘Best Female Upcoming Artiste’, ‘Best Gam Music Radio Show’, ‘Best Hand 2014’, ‘Best Song of the Year’, ‘Best Music Group’, ‘Best Dancehall Artiste’, ‘Best Hip-Hop Artiste’, ‘Best Afromanding’, ‘Best Music Producer 2014’, ‘Best Rapmbalax’, ‘Best Mbalax Artiste and Best Traditional Artistes’.
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