By Yunus S. Saliu
Sona Jobarteh, cultural promoter Fatou Ndey Jabang and gastronomy advocate Ida Cham Njie were among several personalities honoured on Saturday at the annual Arts and Culture Gala and Award Night held at the Pencha Mi Hall of Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.
The event was organised by Sunu-Reew in collaboration with the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia and partners.
The awards ceremony, launched last year, recognises individuals contributing to the development of The Gambia’s arts, culture, tourism and health sectors.
Speaking at the event, Adama Bah said the initiative emerged through collaboration with a Senior Medical Mission that has been supporting The Gambia since 2021.
According to Dr. Bah, the medical mission has supported the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul by bringing medical specialists and donating medicines and equipment annually with support from the Zakat Foundation.
He said organisers sought to link healthcare with arts and culture by recognising the therapeutic and social value of music and creative expression.
“They believed healthcare is not only about physical wellbeing, but also about nourishing the mind through culture, music and artistic performances,” he said.
Dr. Bah said the gala was established to celebrate individuals contributing to cultural development while promoting performing arts, film and tourism.
He described Sona Jobarteh as deserving recognition for promoting Gambian culture internationally through music and education.
“She has become an ambassador for The Gambia everywhere she performs,” he said.
Other award recipients included dancer and drummer Ndey Fatou Jabang, theatre pioneer Janet Badjan Young, businesswoman Fatim Badjie and Yusupha Keita.
Also honoured were Litha Musyimi-Ogana and members of the Senior Medical Mission for their contributions to health and national development.
Dr. Bah said the awards aim to inspire younger generations by recognising role models during their lifetime.
“We want young people to see and emulate those who have contributed meaningfully to tourism, arts and culture in this country,” he said.
The gala featured musical performances, cultural displays and artistic presentations by students of the Sona Jobarteh Academy.
The event attracted government officials, artists, business leaders, health practitioners and members of the hospitality sector.
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