In the wake of Musa Ngum's passing, there has been much chatter about the lack of support Gambians give to their own. Is this a new revelation, I wonder? We have always known that Gambians are stingy with their support when it comes to their own and flamboyantly generous when it comes to others, especially Senegalese.
Gambians will climb a stage to shower Wally Secka with money, giss len ma style, and post a video of it. They will do the same for Titi, Thione, Assan Njie or any one of the Senegalese artists too. They will brag about being Wally's or Titi’s number one fan and the gift or gifts they have in store for them when they roll into town. Now change Wally's or Titi’s nationality to Gambian and they get jack! This is something we are all aware of and have been for the longest time. Nothing new here!
But now that Musa Ngum is no longer with us, everyone wants to own and celebrate him. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it would have been much better while he was alive and struggling as an artist. Good thing though Musa Ngum loved and enjoyed his work, so regardless of the lack of support from his own, I’m sure he’s still proud of his achievements as an artist.
Rest in peace Musa!
