Gambian Legends

25/12/2024

16/06/2024

Blessed Eid to Everyone. God bless you 🙏.

28/05/2024

Mathematician:
Dr. Brahima Mbodje
Entrepreneur & professor of mathematics and computing science.

Dr. Mbodje, a Gambian from Dankunku, Niamina, CRR, and a professor of mathematics, computing science, and cybersecurity. Currently lives and work in the US of A.

He has taught in many universities in 3 continents:

Université Paul Sabatier of Toulouse, France - Lecturer in mathematics.

The University Extension Program in The Gambia - The first Gambian professor of mathematics at the precursor of the UTG

Fordham University, New York - Adjunct Professor of Mathematics, USA

Chowan University - Mathematics Department Chair and Professor of Mathematics

The University of South Dakota - Professor of Mathematics at the graduate school of mathematics

Lenoir-Rhyne University - Professor of Mathematics and computing science.

Besides academia, he has also occupied positions in the software industry:

Microsoft corporation - Manager of Software Assurance and Compatibility - From 2018 to 2023

Currently, he is a professor of mathematics and director of the bachelor's degree program in Industrial Cybersecurity at the historically black college of Clinton College. He runs a $200,000 lab made possible by a $3.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy.

His university, even though a small institution in size, is in rapid expansion. The vision of our president is to prioritize the STEM areas. In fact, He is working on an $8 million dollar grant to establish an engineering program focusing on Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity.

For these domains, by all indications, are expected to be the next biggest things in technology with enormous potentials to transform the US economy in a way that is now unfathomable.

23/05/2024

Musician:
MLB Di Papa

MLB Di Papa, German based Gambian artiste has released his debut album ‘The Gentleman’ comprised of ten tracks available in all digital platforms worldwide.

The album is produced by Jlive Music and featured one of the popular Gambian artistes includes T. Smallz, Jizzle and Hussain Dada

MLB explained that the Journey of ‘THE GENTLEMAN’ album began with his musical journey he found out the important roll his father played in the musical journey of so many great musicians internationally, from that point, he had to do deeper research of what music meant to him.

“This journey has been a very fun one because I've chosen to make the best of every challenge that I've had along the way no matter what. But believe me, it has not been a simple journey of progress. There have been many ups and downs, and it is the choices that I made at each of those times that have helped shape what I have achieved”

He added that: “Now, many could say it has to be easy for me because of what he has achieved. To be honest, his journey has shed the light for me to see what path I need to take, but my journey is self-made. It's the best feeling now, because I don't really feel like I owe anybody. I needed to have a journey of my own to tell my kids tomorrow. To even discuss my journey with my family, I have to set an example”

According to him, when he was a kid, he used to listen to the great IfangBondi, Sotokoto Band and the great music of the '80s, 90s. I still remember myself as a young boy when my father gave me my first cassette Walkman and a copy of the album “SANJO” by IfangBondi and “Gumbay Dance” by Sotokoi and the late Abdel Kabirr (RIP). Nothing makes me happier than listening to those albums.

“I start my journey with a big challenge just like so many artists from scratch. We all suffer from acute blindness at times and I constantly tell myself that I should be the only one to define my worth and what I'm capable of and how I perceive myself. And that I should never source that worth from other people, especially strangers and social media. They don't know the length of my journey or who I am as a person”

Life is a constant journey of trying to open your eyes. Mine has begun and my eyes are starting to fully open up. I'm really thankful to everyone who has been part of my journey.

A wise man once told me, “You have to appreciate the slow grind because success is not going to happen overnight it can happen overnight”. "So I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the support over the years. To my Family, my team, my management my producer and friend JliveMusic and my fans no words can describe how grateful I’m. This has been a pretty unpredictable journey. And y’all contributed in one way or the other in the making of my debut album which signifies my journey through the years. It's a collection of 10 well composed songs which I’ve written full of energy, love and compassion."

“I officially unleashing my debut studio album titled THE GENTLEMAN: https://lnk.to/the gentleman! Go and stream it live,”

About MLB
Modou Lamin Beyai, best known for his stage name as MLB which is inventive synthesis of his birth name. MLB is a Gambian Afro- pop/Afro-beat, Dancehall and Reggae Musician. He was born and raised in the Gambia, but currently lives in Germany.

MLB was living in the slums of London Corner in the Gambia. He started music at a very young age, inspired by his late father, OUSMAN BEYAI, a Guitarist maestro, song writer, composer, arranger and sound engineer. His father was also member of the great Ifan-bondi Band and played with music veterans like Jaliba Kuyateh, Abdul Kabirr (Lie Ngum) the late Paps Touray, Musa Afia Ngum and Yankuba Saho and many others both in The Gambia and Abroad.

Singing became his hobby at a very early age but unlike his father MLB’s desire was to become a professional soccer player. Sadly, his father passed away in 2014. MLB’s music has so much impact as he entertains and spread positive message across his fans.

The contents of his lyrics are 0% violent. Always make sure his music connects emotionally and touches the hearts of his listeners. Professionally, MLB started music in 2019.

However, he knew music was going to be a life time career for him in the early 2014 and as well understood it is part of his genetics. Getting into the real music business, he began as a mobile DJ in 2010, in the process his aim was to be a music Composer and Producer. In the same 2014, he wrote his first song ‘I Need You’ which depicted love.

MLB has four maiden hit singles and has just released his anticipated debut Extended Play called ‘Levels’ which contains seven hit tracks.

After performing in Germany in different cities includes Bremen, Hannover, Stuttgart, Konstanz, Tuttlingen with some of Gambian top artistes includes Jizzle, T. Smallz and Hussain Dada he decided to go back to the studio to produced his album ‘The Gentleman’ available worldwide.

Follow MLB on his social media Platforms on YOUTUBE: Mlb Music Official SPOTIFY: MLB INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/mlbdipapa
Website: https://mlbdipapamusic.com

MLB Di papa

04/05/2024

Entrepreneurial:
Modou NS N'jie
Entrepreneur

With over 25 years of experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and management, he is a seasoned professional with a diverse background as a social entrepreneur, techpreneur, and agropreneur.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive social impact and sustainable change. As a social entrepreneur, he has spearheaded initiatives that address pressing societal challenges using innovative technological solutions.

His expertise in ICT and management has enabled him to navigate various sectors, including but not limited to agriculture, health, law, tourism, banking where he has successfully integrated technology to enhance efficiency and productivity in farming practices. This multidisciplinary approach has not only yielded tangible results but has also positioned him as a thought leader in the field.

With a deep understanding of both the technical and business aspects of technology, I bring a holistic perspective to my endeavors, combining technical acumen with strategic vision to drive organizational growth and development.

As a committed advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship, he continues to explore new opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the world, leveraging his skills and experience to create positive change and empower communities.

Some of his achievements and awards can be grabbed in LinkedIn profile or via www.modounsznjie.com

https://www.facebook.com/njiekuli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/msnjie/

10/04/2024

To our esteemed and lovely followers, just to wish you all the best and Happy Eid Al Fitr. God Bless you all, accept all prayers, fasting and efforts.

10/03/2024

Ramadan Kareem to our esteemed followers. May God Bless you All.

25/02/2024

Information Technology:
Hassan Y Jallow
Founder and Chief Software Architect at Assutech

Meet Hassan, our visionary CEO who founded the company from his bedroom and turned it into a tech powerhouse in just 8 years.

Hassan's selfless nature is his greatest asset.

As a true go-getter, he brings on board the smartest and most talented individuals to drive our company forward.

He heavily invests in the company to ensure that Assutech remains at the forefront of tech innovations in the country.

Hassan's commitment to excellence is unmatched.

He ensures that our work meets global standards, delivering software products that are nothing short of the best.

But beyond his professional achievements, His true strength lies in his ability to see and bring out the potential in others.

Because if there is anything that gives him joy, it's seeing others win.

Hassan isn't afraid to try new things, whether it's getting a pilot's license or getting a 2nd degree blackbelt in taekwondo. He approaches challenges with humor and an open mind, always eager to learn and grow.

In essence, Hassan is not just a CEO, he's a visionary leader, a compassionate mentor, and a role model for us all.

https://www.facebook.com/hassanyjallow

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassan-y-jallow-558182a9/

Hassan Jallow

22/01/2024

Musician:
Dr. Olugander

WHO'S DR.OLUGANDER ? (BIOGRAPHY)

Dr. Olugander alias Phada Gander, is a Gambian dazzling home-grown performing and recording, philanthropic world-sought-after Reggae Dancehall artist based in Finland. He started his musical career at a tender age through the inspiration of his late grandfather “Oupa Kambai Joku” who was a great cultural musician in his hay-days.

Dr Olugander's hard core rhythms could be compared with that of many great superstar around the world. What sets him among the rest in the pecking order is his professional manner of conducting his life which is free from liquor consumption and smoke.

He started his education at St. Charles Lwanga Mission Primary School in Faji K***a and later proceeded to St. Peter's Catholic High School in Lamin. Being someone who likes to explore, he moved on to St. Augustine's High School, an all boys high school in the Capital city of the Gambia, Banjul where his musical career became heightened.

Phada Gander is agile, flexible and full of confidence on stage which makes his performances unique and awesome. His voice is silky smooth, original and he exhibits humility and love for everyday ordinary people.

He is a role model to the younger generation and a voice for the voiceless. He is so far the only known Gambian musician who keeps it simple and natural by avoiding smoking or drinking but still gets wild on stage with his teeming crowd of followers and admirers.

In 1997 he formed a crew named (CAP-SYL-MAD VIBES), a trio musical group that lasted for a year then later changed to Promised Land Crew in1998, comprising him and Capricon as main singers. The Promised Land recorded their first debut Album entitled “Too Late” at Yellow Gates Studios by Kebba Taylor in 1998, with their first hit single on television entitled “Babylon rule”.

The Promised Land Crew got a lot of exposure from showbiz impresario and arts columnist Dr. Obiozor Williams who first discovered their talents. The Crew got rave reviews on the Arts & Culture page in Daily Observer Newspaper.Their first shot at national prominence was during the 1st ever Gambian Music Award, May 2, 1998 at Palma Rima Hotel. The Crew became a favorite for music fans at the “Fateleku” Nationwide Music Tour for all Gambian artistes initiated by Obiozor Williams alongside veteran star Ousu Njie Senor and late Uncle George Christensen of Radio 1 FM where over 40 artistes performed throughout the length & breadth of the Gambia in 1999.

In 2001, Capricon decided to quit music for the Islamic brotherhood ‘Markas’ which gave birth to Dr. Olugander's solo musical career.

Dr. Olugander derived his title from his fans who regarded him as a musical doctor. The name Olu- means (God Father) while "gander" came as a result of his love for the male goose the “Gander” which is his favorite pet, thus Fada Gander. He's hailed from the African MAN-JAH-GO clan known for preserving their deeply African oriented culture and traditions.

A fond lover of great stars like Cocoa Tea, Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Bunny wailer, Dennis Brown & Luciano, he felt he could use music to bring great changes in the life of young people with his own original style.

CHARITY WORKS
Known for his philanthropic gestures, he was the first musician of his generation in the country to establish and register a charity foundation, Gander's Production Foundation (GPF) embarking on giving back projects throughout the country in support of the poor through his musical performances. GPF with the Motto “Each One-Support One” donated cooking items and food stuff to the disaster flood victims of the Gambia at the office of the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia in December 2010. He also contributed to the rehabilitation of school toilets in Wassu Upper Basic Cycle. As an ambassador of The Gambia Organization of the Visually Impaired (GOVI), he made a cash donation to the blind school of The Gambia in January 2013. He was also honored by supporting a Kenyan charity to donate to Kandaria Dispensary in Kisumu, Kenya in August 2015.

Catering
He usually organizes big annual events ‘Welcome Back Home Shows’ any time he returns from an international tour. These shows are always among the biggest platforms in the country, where most of the upcoming Gambian musicians got their first ever open air opportunities to be heard and known by their fans.

CHEF/KITCHEN CAREER
Phada Gander graduated as a professional chef at "TTS vocational school" in vantaa Finland, with "Bachelor's degree" in the hotel, restaurant, and catering industry examination board certificate in February 2017.

AWARDS
In 2008 he won the best reggae song in the Gambia. In 2009 he was given an honorary award & invitation to USA by (AGERA). Dr. Olugander is undisputedly the Gambia's best international reggae ambassador & export, who has been jetting in and out of aeroplanes from Africa, Europe, Asia, Scandinavia, USA over the years.

ALBUMS
Group Album with “Promised Land” entitled-“Too Late”- 1998.
Solo career Albums
Pumak Aids- Advocate against Aids – 2004.
Little Gambia- 25th. April 2007.
Stronger Dan Before- 24.12.2008.
Friends on Journey- 1.01.2018.
Bulma Bai- 24.12.2019
Friends On Journey album nominated (Best Album of year by ReggaeVille 2018.

He shared stages and collaborated with big names like Luciano, Youssou Ndour, Glen Washinton, Yellowman, Sizzla, Capleton, Macka B, among many others.

His latest album entitled ‘Friends On Journey’ is a masterpiece in the world music industry. It’s a 14 track CD album that features big acts like Macka B, Mikey General, Siddy Ranks, Turbulence just to name a few. His latest Ep entitled Vanity feat. Admiral Tibet from Kingston slated to drop in early 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/gandersmusic
Dr. Olugander
https://www.facebook.com/olugander

16/01/2024

Tourism:
Mr Bunama Njie
Part Owner/General Manager of Bakadaji Hotel

Honoring a TOURISM ICON- Mr. Bunama Njie.
With a career spanning nearly 50 years in Destination Gambia Buna has so many achievements/milestones apart from being Part Owner/General Manager of Bakadaji Hotel which has been his most comprehensive project yet together with Miranda Nehme of Shiraz they have constructed a facility that has literally blown everyone away who has walked in . A Hotel that promotes Domestic Tourism & Hospitality that welcomes everyone both Gambians and the International Community.

A 4 star Hotel offering 5 Star Service.

Bakadaji's Hotel understated elegance speaks volumes of their vision to create a hospitality & cultural masterpiece on a canvas that brings elements together mostly significant protecting the Environment. One of the most eco friendly tourism establishments in the Gambia.

Buna was born into Tourism Royalty his Father Mr. Ebrima Njie was a very close friend of mine who I met before knowing him .

Uncle Ebrima was one of the First Gambians to promote Culinary Tourism and served a local menu that was diverse and captured the palates from Gambians & international Guests.

I recall in 2001 then a Quality Control Manager for the GTboard then Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA) I organized the 'FIRST EVER' Food Festival for the Gambia Tourism Industry Uncle Ebrima went above and beyond to make me succeed.

Buna was the GTA, Chairman of the Gambia Hotel Classification Committee of all the Tourism Establishments in the Gambia rating from 1- 5 star Hotels 15 years ago since then has never been done. I was then the Director of Quality Control and Licensing at the GTboard.

He was also the Chairman of the Gambia Hotel Association for several years and left an impact with Tourism Stakeholders and the Tourism Fraternity.

We also authored a cookbook together ' Gambia is Cooking to promote healthy, organic food ' with the Gambia Chefs Association featuring local cuisine.

He also led the African Union Summit Accommodation Committee in 2006 and is currently the Chairman of OIC Accommodation Committee for upcoming Summit in 2024.

A Mentor and Role Model for many youths in the Tourism Industry he has touched so many lives. When you walk into Bakadaji Hotel you will observe that most of Team & Management is under 35 years old. Disciplined, hardworking and focused due to the Leadership ready to serve all Guests with a Smile.

Às RITZ CARLTON once famously quoted 'Ladies & Gentleman Serving 'Ladies & Gentleman.

Buna is a strong advocate of Women & Youth Empowerment 3 of the most prominent Female General Managers in the Gambia under the age of 40 were groomed by him Ms.Haddijatou Njie - General Manager, 5 Star Ngala Lodge, Ms. Hayat Blell - General Manager 4 Star African Princess Hotel and Ms. Clothida Jensen is also a General Manager.

Mr Bunama Njie has been recognised by Ambassador Abdoulie M Touray ( Baax) of The Global Entrepreneurship Network ( GEN) represented in 200 countries with over 10 Million Members worldwide as a GEM ( Global Entrepreneurship Mentor)and MAN of the YEAR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cZKbxzSF0Q

https://www.facebook.com/bakadajihotelgambia

Courtesy of Binta Jobe

16/01/2024

Author:
Saffiatou Joof
Poet - Author of : "Under the spell of poetry" | "Words On War"
President of StandStill Gambia
Vice-President Young Writers Association of The Gambia (YWAG)

Saffiatou Joof is a young, dynamic lady, prolific writer, activist, and poet, who started her writing career as a young girl but with aims and objectives to inspire and change the concepts that people built towards poetry in The Gambia.

Saffiatou attended Deeper Life School Primary and Upper Basic. She graduated from Gambia Senior secondary school and then proceeded to American International University West Africa, where she is studying computer science.

Her first book, "Under the Spell of Poetry" was a breakthrough in 2022, and she managed to sell 1000 copies across the country.

’ Upon that successful book launched, she founded Nna-kala Virtual Poetry Academy. And Standstill organization, the Gambia. The organization focuses on training young people in poetry, and she is also selected as the vice president of the Young Writers Association of The Gambia.

Saffiatou is working part-time with Sotuma Industrial and commercial trading as a secretary while managing her own business. Her second book "Words On war" is among the most captivating books that are making waves online. Through her network, they are supporting a few students who can’t afford to pay their tuition fees. In addition, writing has been her passion, and she is currently doing well to integrate her critical poetry style to pe*****te the international market.

Her books are available at Timbooktoo, Suba Bookshop, Amazon.com, and bernesandnoble.com. Furthermore, she believes that talent has to be protected and nurtured. And she is proud of her Gambian friends, fans, and relatives that patronize her work and thank them for often motivating her. The book that she published last year in 2022, "Under the Spell of Poetry" is doing very well on Amazon.

Her second poetry book Words on War, which contains poems that talk about corruption, regrets, pride, abortion, black magic, prison life, divorce, etc., and that has extended to the penning of our late heroes and living legends that are doing extremely well in various fields. Her poems are based on the lives of people, her personal experiences, which are written on the lines of purely African poetry.

You can kindly follow her on Facebook or TikTok to get updates on her work, named “Saffyah Joof”.

https://www.facebook.com/saffia.joof