GAMWRITERS

Momodou Sabally had a compact full conference room by the time the able MC took the mike to open the ceremony with prayers. On the high table were seated Khadija Aja Tambajang (an entrepreneur and a columnist at Today newspaper), Honourable Sherif Gomez (Minister of Youth and Sports), Momodou Sabally (Author and Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs), Mr Abdoulie Touray (CEO Sahel Investments and Board member of the West African International School), Mrs Jay Sarr-Sabally (Writers and loving wife of the author), Latirr Carr (Co-founder of www;balafong.com, an online mag).
Among the guests were representatives of several ministries, lawyers, authors, journalists and artists as well as family members of  the author and attendants. Others present were friends of the author and his family, ex-students of the Saint Mary's Extension Programme and young talented poets and writers. The MC, Sana Sarr, did an excellent job of jesting the author from time to time and throwing rib-cracking jokes. The two reviewers of the book (Khadija Aja Tambedou and Latirr Carr) delivered captivating reviews very much appreciated by the audience. X-miles, co-presenter of Fila, made a beautiful intervention with three interactive poems. Jali Madi also dedicated a beautiful mandinka song for the author for which he was generously rewarded by the author's mother Yaboye. Sabally was beyond words when he was called to the mike. He made a short speech on the inspiration he had from friends and books he read but most of all from his mother and life experiences.
The launch was done by both Honourable Sheriff Gomez and Mr Abdoulie Touray. Jay Sarr-Sabally gave the vote of thanks after pledges were done. Guests were entertained to a reception as the author autographed several books to people.
I find the ceremony an exceptional one in that young talented Gambians were in charge of the programme. I was impressed but not surprised to discover hidden talents in creative writing and poetry from our young talents. I will conclude by reiterating Mr Touray's words of advice: "Let us celebrate and reward Excellence".
Please read the works of Young Gambia writers on www.balafong.com

Author: Cherno Omar Barry

Further reading:

Latirr Carr's book review
Momodou Sabally's article on Success Lyrics P1