Hussain Dada, a Gambian artist who is currently in the UK to perform at an arts and culture show, has appealed to the Gambian High Commissioner to help the country’s entertainers who continue to face challenges in obtaining U.K visas.
Speaking while meeting Dr Fatou Bensouda at the Gambian Embassy in the UK, Dada raised some difficult challenges affecting young musicians in the Gambia due to a lack of copyright law.
“Musicians don’t have royalties from their music products played over the radio and TV stations in the Gambia,” he said.
After the meeting, he expressed hope of a good outcome of his meeting with Dr Bensouda.
“We also discussed challenges Gambian entertainers face in obtaining U.K visas and the role of the Commission in bettering that situation. I thank the High Commissioner and her staff for the warm reception,” he said.
He emphasised that the artist in the Gambia needs the support of the High Commissioner to add her voice in making the enactment of appropriate legislation to protect the music industry.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fatou Bensouda advised the artist to remain focused in his domain and do away getting involved in issues that will hinder his progress.
She said: “we are very proud of you, and I want you to remain focused. There is a lot of distraction with young people, but don’t allow it. Just stay focused.”
For his part, the pioneer of Afromanding music Jalex – Akuntu suggested that Gambian musicians need a requisite legal instrument to safeguard their products and earnings even after they retire from music.
Reporting by Adama Makasuba
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