The veteran Gambian broadcaster Malick Jones has died.

His family announced that Jones passed away in the Gambia on Tuesday (30 January). 

The late Jones was known for his unique voice as a broadcaster. He was one of the country’s top football commentators which earned him a lucrative contract to cover the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for BBC and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for Qatari radio. 

Mr. Jones began his broadcasting career in 1980 at Radio Gambia. He has worked through the ranks from announcer to producer, senior producer, and principal producer and was appointed deputy director general of The Gambia Radio and Television Services in 2011. 

In 2012, he was appointed acting director general and, in February 2013, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure. 

Before his death, Jones worked as a media consultant and public relations consultant and football commentator.

He will be laid to rest this afternoon at the Jeshwang Cemetery. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba