Tuesday 22 February 2011

Yahya Jammeh most Go. 17 years is a long Time

We can do without you.
UDP U.K calls on the party executives to prepare the support base for a standoff. The UDP youth wing's countrywide tour currently ongoing should energise and prepare every single party supporter for a serious campaign. The planned trip of the Executive to the Provence's this weekend should solidify and reinvigorate the spirit of the people. UDP has the following, the base and logistics to take on Yahya Jammeh's bully boys.
The world is with us. No tyrant can again fire on innocent civilians. We know the dynamics of our country, we also know that, for any revolution to succeed, all section of the Gambian society must unite. To unite doesn't mean to intimate one another, but see the common good. We all hear the language in use in Libya. The blame game there is on forigners, alcoholics, blacks etc.
Our own divisive mad man will use the cheapest tool of all: Tribe. Yahya will use that and labelled us one tribe against his rule. He will intend to divide Gambians on that front and this is a powerful tol that we should not underestimate.The contigent deterent to that is to activate the diverse section of the UDP support base. The language of self-preservation will fail, his Cassamance hench men will want to defend him, however, no single human beings wish to die, they too will run.
The momentum is for us to be determine and ready to stand. We shouldn't allow any member of our party to be arrested on flemsy charges again. The youths and elders should be informed and a match taken place. UDP U.K call for the Executive to hold a candle lit vigil for Kanyiba Kanyi at his residence. We call on the executive to remember the likes of Sidia Sanyang, Buteh Boy, and countless other party militants who died from injuries sustained in the hands of the evil Green monsters.The protegee of Gaddafi has seen his rule book overturn in few days.
The Green handbook of Yahya Jammeh is worthless if we stand together. Gambia can do this. The laws has failed us, the politics has failed us. The UDP and her sister parties have said it all, they have sacrificed personal fund to change the status quo, however, Yahya has the entire Gambian resources at his disposal. From international aid to grants, from IMF loans to IDB loans, fom the Kuwaiti Funds to Taiwan's regular cheque, from rogue deposits to money launders. We cannot match Jammeh with finance, but we can match him on human spirit, truth and justice. We can send him packing with our collective voice. Jammeh has recruited the best of twisted Gambian brain to study everything for him. These Gambians see only their personal success and fortune.
Like the Libyan state mercenary, our own Gambians aids to Yahya Jammeh are the worst of the worst. However, the UDP can instigate an atmosphere to end the fears that the paramilitary instill in Gambians. The Libyans have stood up to Gaddafi, so can we.Yahya Jammeh led the toppling of Jawara mainly because he said the later was corrupt and over stayed in power. However, Jammeh is now clocking 17 years in a few months time. What is the difference between 30yrs and 17yrs? The facts on the ground proved beyond reasonable doubts that, Yahya Jammeh like other former military dictators have forgotten the main reason he overthrew Jawara.
Gambians are not in need of your so-called patriotic development, what Gambians need is a regular change of leaders in reaching a point that, no single leader will consume our national wealth like his personal resources with little or no repercussions. Jammeh's personal wealth surpasses any living Gambian today, even if all the business men put together, he is richer than them all. We as a people can deal with our problems, all we want now is for you to resign and allow for an free and fair elections.There over 100,000 capable Gambians to take this country ahead. You are not the only man born of a woman who have the best interest of the country at heart. In fact, like Gaddafi whom you have copied from top to bottom, it is all about you, not the nation.
When Gaddafi assumed power, counting it backward, America has six Presidents within that space of time. When you Jammeh took power to date, Britain, Gambia's biggest donor has change three Prime Ministers, they are with their fourth one now. What is wrong with the thinking of African head of states? Why do they think that, without them the people will eat grass whilst when they were not in power, the people survived without knowing them?
For Jammeh to have a peaceful exit, he must resign, call for national reconciliation, admit his failings and we as a people are compassionate enough to treat him well. Gaddafi, your mentors thought that, no Libyan born of a woman have the balls to stand up to him, but today, he is the one in hiding. The so called development Gaddaif over show are now been bombarded left right and centre. What Gambians demand is humane treatment and a cap on Presidential term. this way, no head of state will recruit dogs to kill for him.Yahya Jammeh most go now!!!
Suntou Touray UDP U.K Coordinator
Gambiaforall@googlemail.com

Monday 21 February 2011

RIP Kanda Fadiga, The Sarahuleh Music Legend



RIP Kanda Fadiga, the man who surpasses Jaliba Kuyateh in the wealthy Sarahuleh community has passed away back in 2009. Kanda sang the praise of the who is who in the tight knit Sarahuleh circles. If you stack it away, Kanda will say it.

Kanda was the most sort after Sarahuleh praise singer in modern times. He was so popular and powerful, the measure of Sarahuleh wealth is known if Kanda sat at your pantry. His words are more of poetic praise sing. His grace and epitomising of Sarahuleh conservatism made him transcending in the complex Sarahuleh community.

Kanda equal ten Jaliba Kuyateh in terms choice of patron. Kanda don't just chose donors of cars, or few thousand Dollars. he reached out to all that is good, graceful, and majestic about Sarahuleh culture, power, fame and religiosity. He resettled in France during his old age, but originally from Mali, the bastion of Sarahuleh riches. No wonder, Mali Sarahuleh would quip that, there are no wealthy men in the Gambia.

RIP Kanda, your legacy was cement in the 'kontin' and strong deep Maraka voice.

Sunday 13 February 2011

Responding to Cherno Baba Jollow -Kora Adrenalin

http://www.allgambian.net/NewsDetails.aspx?id=1434 Link to Cherno's article

By Suntou Bolonba
Re: Jaliba, An Ambassador of Manden Culture and Music
I agree entirely with Cherno Baba that, Jaliba’s music can be enjoyed by a diverse audience of Gambians or Kora lovers. Inherently my postulations on the study of Jaliba’s musical export is premise on the assumption that, he utilises language and the power of typical deep rooted Mandingo words to entice and excite his audiences. I am attempting similar study on Juldeh Kamara's music.... He on the other hand regularly uses, ‘eloquently Fulbe even to non-Fulas’..
The position of Cherno Baba is true in a broader analysis of Jaliba’s many non-Mandingo fans. His songs in Wollof also utilises the dictum of the Wollofbaa speak to reinvigorate their praises. In a narrow and focus study, songs like ‘nyin manteren, nin Sukuta ngo yee buu nya, akana iiteren’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgowI1Dmi8U&feature=related (“I am not surprise”, when an indigenous of Sukuta honours you, never be surprise) that song is a classic use of conventional generic Mandingka to aim at the heart of Sukutarians. The strings act like a drug to the dreamy fans eager to become a central focus. Here the young lady Mbalin Cham gave Jaliba a four hundred thousand Dalasis worth of motor car. Is Mbaling richer than Jaliba? No, contrast the relationship between Jaliya and Batufayaa.. The cultural backdrop in called upon to germinate the (me me) of the praise seeker. In Mandinka (alin fele) look at me, watch me, adore me...which use to be reserve for Kandalu and leaders, but now for every capable and willing patron.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5-kZS83Q2U&feature=related

The words kill them slowly and softly, if not why dish out a $1,000 without thinking? This is not to say, I am beyond the mega folding and dog tapping of Jaliba’s 21 strings Kora like a loo sito (a bundled of fire wood).
In Amadou Barry (Fula Foro) we notice again, the crabbing of Mr Barry on his jugular veins. To be a freeborn is everything in a tribal Fula society or community, hence ‘Fula Foro’ in Mandingka. In Kisima Dambele, ‘Sarahulo yee ban-na yalelon’ (The Sarahulehs are known for their wealthy and affluences) again, the key word here is Banna yaa (wealthy) something the Sarahuleh is stereo typically identified with, but in both cases he utilises the Mandingka terms for them.
In Yahya Jammeh, Jaliba sings as (Yahya Yee Banko taa, keleman kee, moo manfa) Again, Banko (country) symbolises going back to the Mandingka understanding.
I can go and on about the negotiation of the Mandingka culture in Jaliba’s music. Jaliba’s maturing into adding and singing in Wollof and a bit of Fula reveal his intent to break all barriers our society may erect through ethnic differences. And to his credit, the fan base is multi dimensional and diverse.
If you analyse briefly the behaviour and excitement loyal fans and patrons display at his shows, one will consistently see (adrenalin fuel) intoxication. In Jaliba’s trip to U.S in 2010, it is said that, he collected in excess of $30,000 from patrons. And in concerts, women give him, gold, clothes, Jewry, musical instruments etc. The key trigger of such lavish donations is the way the songs get to them.
For instance, whenever McCarthy is mention and Morro Baldeh’s name come to the fray, his relations in America go mad. And by extension McCarthy indigence's raise the roof. However, the sweet flavour is the attraction in the words spoken. Since words here illustrate to us (outsiders) the lineage or roots of the patron. In all the videos of Jaliba I watched, he connects perfectly with the words to the person he is sings about.
Unconfirmed reports during my study highlighted that, Jaliba is actually very spiritual and knowledgeable in the art of Marabourism. He seclude himself before every show to concentrate and incant his spiritual side. Jaliba admitted playing the Kora to soften the hearts of his patron, hence we can deduce that, if the patron is known to him ahead, Jaliba can skilfully, using the Kora and backing band quickly move the patron, but the speculation that, spiritual attraction is involve will always linger. The similitude here to the Rock Band fiver and their peculiarities..

Jaliba is a very hard working musician. He practise very frequently and always tries to perfect himself. His core ingredient is always connecting with his culture and making it relevant to his every day existences. Whilst young wannabes quickly adopt Western mannerism and attitude without solidifying their music first. Cultural expression is undoubtedly the hallmark of the Kumareh Band (A bird that is traditionally belief to give premonitions and sings in melodious voice) again cultural underpinning.
Overall, my study did not exclude or took ownership of Jaliba as per pursuing a Mandingocentric musical export. In fact, my aim was/is to locate where and how he negotiate one tradition to his different listeners. Yusu Ndurr do this perfectly, the many proverbs we all came to be familiar with in his music, yet he speak immaculate Wollof, so is Baba Maal. One has to deeply comprehend Fula to understand Maal.
Thank You. (Sorry that, it took over a year to respond.)

The Gambia Echo On President Yahya Jammeh's lovers

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2174/US-letter-Writer-Wants-Jammehs-Madams-Exposed.aspx

The great edtior of the Gambia Echo certainly have his way with words. We have all came to expect only the best written English from him and his witting revelations of Yahya's deeper bosoms. We have doubted certain top secrets from him, only for them to be true. However, I sincerely belief that, our editors like every single one of us have many more reasons to reject the corrupt mafia enterprise of Yahya Jammeh and his helpers.
The question is where should we draw the line in exposing H.E Yahya's bad manners? The conferring that The Gambia Echo's editor says he is currently doing is unnecessary. Yahya Jammeh obviously like all other dictators and tyrants before him have little manners. What they portray in the open in the opposite of their innerself.

However, revealing the string of women he slept with will be damaging to many people. I know we have all talked about Yahya's bad manners, however, what people do in private, relating to the consumption of Alcohol, adultery or fornication and other human deficiencies, such acts should be left private. The women who are alleged to cohabit with Yahya did it with full control of their actions.

Our beef is with Yahya and those who are helping him destroy the Gambia, not those he is pleasurising with. May be some of the women he purportedly slept with have mend fences with their husbands and are moving on. Revealing such people's names is a catalyst for recking relationships. We all have skeletons in our cupboards. Our leaders are answerable to us, and we have to take them to task on their responsibilities.
However, what they do in private with women or other individuals in a private capacity (not dealing public wealth, human rights and other similar things), we should generally comment on Yahya's bad manners, but leave out the women. Obviously, some can respond by saying, he uses his position to entices the women, but as I said, they have the right to say no. In a similar vain, those who accept his jobs have the choice to say no, but they don't. How we deal with Yahya's associates are a delicate matter. I hope our good editors can balance this act perfectly. Brother Sankareh, thanks for all the wonderful articles and exclusive revelations, but let this one go.
Kissy Kissy Mansa cetainly do expose the backside of the many faces of our tyrant, let him focus on the important ones. On the legal front, the women or parties involve can sue for libel or defamation.
Finally, a snip, why is associate editor Mathew's article in many places but the Echo? Mathew with all his baggage is a tasty writer, and he has grown to grasps issues quiet well. He will be an asset for any editor. He has the stamina and determination to express his two cent.

Friday 11 February 2011

YOUR LANGUAGE MATTERS, SPEAK IT TO WHOEVER WILL UNDERSTAND IT

More of us living in western societies tend to speak English to our children at the detriment of our own local languages. The British academy policy centre finding reveals that, language matters a lot. We should try to engage our children with our home language more. Although our children tend to prefar anwering the phone, talking us and our friends in English, Swedish, Denish or French, we should lead the way in talking to them in our native languages. This will strengthen their identity and give them something that is theirs.
Suntou


"Language matters more and more"

On Wednesday 9 February, the British Academy Policy Centre launched its latest Position Statement, Language matters more and more.The British Academy has for some time been concerned that fewer and fewer students are studying languages at school or at university. Given the interconnectedness between language learning at all levels (from primary, secondary and tertiary levels), language research, teacher training, and wider intercultural understandings, the Academy believes that this decline is damaging the whole education system. Our Language Matters report (published last year) warned of the damaging impact on universities, the skills base of UK citizens, and the UK’s future international competitiveness.
Language matters more and more will make recommendations on how the higher education sector itself can incentivise and increase language take-up at both school and university levels, whilst building the capacity of the UK’s knowledge economy to meet national and international challenges.

Language matters more and more was launched at a special event on 9 February 2011 by the British Academy Policy Centre, bringing together experts to discuss their different perspectives, and the action that needs to be taken to promote and incentivise the learning of foreign languages both at school and at university.
Professor Nigel Vincent, the Academy’s Vice-President (Research and Higher Education Policy) spoke to the British Academy’s recommendations and new programme of funding to strengthen support for Languages and Quantitative Skills; Baroness Jean Coussins, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Modern Languages, spoke about the need for a national recovery programme for languages; Chief Executive of the Council for Industry and Higher Education, David Docherty provided a business perspective on the value of language learning; Professor Michael Worton, Vice-Provost of University College London spoke about what universities and the Higher Education language community can do to strengthen language learning provisions; and the Rt Hon David Willetts, MP, Minister for Universities and Science provided the government perspective on the priority it places on language skills.
The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH Tel: 020 7969 5200 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 020 7969 5200 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Fax: 020 7969 5300, Web: www.britac.ac.uk

Tuesday 1 February 2011

Recalling the Open Letter of Abubacar Bailo Jallow



The link above to his open letter.

In the struggle to free the Gambia of an entrench dictator, Abubacar Bailo Jallow stood out tall when the right of Halifa Sallah was infringed upon. Bailo Jallow use to work at a global accountancy brand in the Gambia. A young good looking man who could be enjoying all the finery's of the high Gambian societal live, Bailo instead chose to take a stand.

I applaud Bailo continuous for abandoning all the pleasures his education and the high status his job accorded him. Many young and middle age aspirant to good jobs in Gambia are ignoring the human cost of the dictatorship inflicted upon the whole nation. The accusations against secular educated Gambians hold true. Number matters more than anything and our quest to be noticed, acknowledged in the high live compel us to abandon those we went to school for stand for.


Before I am accused of leaving out the religious scholars, they too are culprits in this long struggle, however, the role we play in entrenching the dictator far surpass that of the religious brigade. I am recalling the journalistic stance of Yahya Dampha formerly of Foroyaa who too was arrested and detained. He too endured immensely for doing his job. Also to remember is Mr Saidykhan of the Daily Observer, The abducted Ebrima Manneh, The brutal killing of Omar Barrow and the students, the eduction of Kanyiba Kanyi, etc are the story of young Gambians paying the price for taking a stance.

May God reward this young people for taking it upon themselves to stand where their peers never appear. Abubucarr Bailo Jallow and the rest should always have a special place in our memory. They are young and have a lot to live for. I pray that, God open up the world for them and reward them with great accomplishments.

Bailo, Yahya, Omar Barrow, Justice Darboe, Ebrima Manne, FJM etc, you are among the heroes so far. Let us hope many will stand and end the injustice and one man rule in our Beloved country.