Joluv Arts and Partners to Award D1 Million to Three Finalists on 60th Independence Day
Finalists © National Sports Council
By Haddy Ceesay
Joluv Arts, in collaboration with the National Sports Council, is set to award three finalists in the upcoming National Competitive Musical Festival D1 million on the night of The Gambia’s 60th Independence Day. This was announced by Joluv Arts Executive Director, Saul Sowe, during a press conference held on Wednesday, 11th February 2025, at the Independence Stadium.
The Gambia will be commemorating its 60th year after it achieved independence from British colonial rule back on 18th February 1965 on Tuesday, 18th February 2025. To mark this special occasion, a series of events will be taking place, including the final of the National Competitive Musical Festival at QCity on the night of the country’s 60th Independence Day.
To maximise the support required for a successful event, the event organisers are seeking support from the general public ahead of the event. During the press conference, the Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Mr. Mahmoud L. Jawla, highlighted how the Sports Council supports youths in leading meaningful lives and deterring them from pursuing irregular migration.
He explained that the competition will “contribute to the development of these young men and women who are seated over there, for them to also choose music as a career.” Mr. Jawla added that “we have to work together to improve what they have chosen as a career.” According to the Mr. Sports Council Secretary General, many young people want to leave the country, not realising that venturing into music can bring significant development in their lives.
“We are all aware the government definitely struggles a lot to maintain our young people within the country, but every day youths want to go outside the Gambia. We also have a role to play to make sure our youths stay at home and then live a meaningful life,” said Mr. Jawla.
The government unveiled a plan to create 150,000 jobs from 2023 to 2027 to offset the high unemployment amongst young people. According to the 2022/2023 Labour Force Survey, “almost half of the youths are underutilised, standing at 48.6% against 30.6% among adults.”
Organizers © National Sports Council
Just a few weeks ago, pictures went viral on social media showing hundreds of young Gambians storming the Labour Department in Fajara to apply as migrant workers in Spain’s agriculture sector. The government has entered into two other domestic migrant worker agreements with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, which is set to start in 2025.
According to the organisers, seventeen (17) young aspiring artists have made it to the final of this year's National Competitive Musical Festival and will perform at QCity on Independence night. The five (5) top performers from this event will be recognised and rewarded as leading Gambian artists.
Joluv Arts Executive Director, Mr. Saul Sowe, explained how they selected representatives from each region. He stated that the finalists are all “exceptional” artists who won their spot after winning regional tournaments to claim their final spot.
He assured the press that his team would continue collaborating with them in the music industry. To celebrate and award the winners, first place will receive five hundred thousand dalasis, second place will receive three hundred thousand dalasis, and third place will receive two hundred thousand dalasis. Additionally, each participant is expected to receive a reward.
The presser concluded with the finalists showcasing their talent for the audience present.
