Gambians are mourning and with them too are Senegalese following news of the demise of a legendary musician, Musa ‘Afia’ Ngum “Borom Akasa” which sad event took place Sunday 11th October. According to a Senegalese online newspaper, Seneweb, Musa Ngum passed away at Le Dentec hospital.
Musa’s sudden death came as big shock to family and friends. He did a live performance the previous night on Saturday with his son Yusupha Ngum, at a Senegalese night club called ‘Just For You’.
Musa was said to have done his last show sitting on a chair due to poor health. In a brief TV appearance on TFM, Musa spoke about rumors of his demise in August saying it was spread by rumor mongers.
He also used the opportunity to renew his call on Gambia and Senegal to become one country, saying it was only after that he will stop wearing different colored shoes. Coach Pa Samba Jow, a long-time friend of the legendary artist said this on his Facebook “I have lost a friend and a star, the legendary Musa Ngum is no more. He was full of life yesterday when I spoke to him. Chei”. Musa who is believed to be in his 60s is described as a very humble man, whose love his country is unquestionable. Sources hinted that he might be buried in Touba, the holy city of Mouridism and the burial place of its founder, Sheikh Amadou Bamba Mbacke.
BRIEF BIO
Bala Jigii Musa was born in Fatoto, in the Upper River region of The Gambia. History has that he would not go to bed unless his caretaker played a particular musical instrument for him as a means of putting him to sleep.
Growing up Musa was a well-known “Kasak” singer who was sought after by families when they circumcised their children and in ceremonies to honor their reunion. In his professional music careers, the ‘Murid’ ardent follower, played as lead vocalist for Gelewarr Band producing well successful songs and doing great shows in the West Africa Region.
He resettled in Senegal in the early 80s and was reported to have joined Super Diamono Band in 1985. They produced hit songs like Omaro Bamba sa Mamla and Banjul Banjul. Later in his career, Musa did classical and acclaimed songs like Artist du Daanu, Sama Yai Demna Ndaar, Circilasung Lamp Fall among others. He was given an award of National Order by then Senegalese President Abdou Joof.
Musa did a song after the July 22 takeover in The Gambia, the song titled ‘Buroka’ a Jola word means ‘hard work’. In the song, he called on Gambians to work together and develop our country.
He was later reported to have been invited by President Jammeh to return home. A request he honored and has been living in The Gambia for a while.
Our condolence to his son Yusupha Ngum and the entire family. May his soul rest in peace!!
