Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Gambia: Dancehall artist short listed for international award

Gambian dancehall artist, Stalwart “the mental assassin” has been short listed for three international awards in the 1st Global African Music Awards (GAMA 2011), organised by Malaysia-based music promoters and producers: Bite My Music, King Lhota, President of African Radio Asia, Siva Zaphod Chandran, Meera Thuraivel, and the Saintz and Sinnerz.

Stalwart, the “poor people’s voice” whose real name is Yankuba Dibba, one of Gambia’s most conscientious and controversial artists is competing for “Best African Male Artist”, “Best African Reggae Artist”, and Best Dancehall Artist” with entry songs “Home Again”, “What Goes Around”, and “Drive The Car”.

He is vying for honours with 26 African musicians in all three categories. The Organisers are expected to unveil the winners early this year (2012), having close polls for online voting in early December 2011.

“I feel humbled and honoured for being nominated for the GAMA 2011 Awards,” said Stalwart. “For the fact that I am the only Gambian in the competition shows that my work has been recognised and I appreciate that.”

A total of 88 musicians and music groups from across the African continent have been short listed for awards in 12 categories including Best African Male Artist Of The Year; Best African Reggae Artist Of The Year; Best Dancehall Artist Of The Year; Best African Female Artist Of The Year; Best Hip-Hop Solo Act; Best African Group Of The Year; Best Hip Hop Group; Best R&B Artist; Best African Pop Artist; Best Collaboration Of The Year; Best Gospel Artist; and Song Of The Year.

The winners of various categories will have the opportunity to gain more global recognition, work with top producers and musicians from the United States of America, the Crystal Awards, Special Tours and Brand Ambassadors.

The Organisers said a few artists will be unveiled as winners based on the quality of music, overall achievements in music career, and online votes. Selected judges composed of music experts from across the world will have the final decision.  



Author: Modou S. Joof
 
The author is a Gambian journalist, News Editor of The Voice Newspaper in Banjul and Publisher of The North Bank Evening Standard. 
He twits  (@Msjoof)


Facebookpage:http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-North-Bank-Evening-Standard/143284775736581

 

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