What has been a long time coming has finally arrived!
When a long held vision begins to clearly unravel and manifest into reality, there is the expected excitement but that also comes tinged with anxiety and countless what ifs. But what if we never decided to start hosting monthly Open Mics or the annual OpenMicFest. What if the event was still hosted at Jakarlo and never moved to the Independence Stadium? What if we never believed in the vision and the process to achieve it?
At Black Lynx Entertainment, it has always been part of the grand plan to extend the OpenMicFest beyond one night of entertainment. Here we are in 2019, steady working to give you an unforgettable experience.
The Gambia’s biggest venue, the Independence Stadium in Bakau, shall, from Friday 27th to Saturday 28th December, 2019 bear witness to this new chapter in the second coming of the Gambian music renaissance. Twelve years of successful programming and showcasing of Gambian talent has helped grow the #ThePeoplesEvent from a sideshow to becoming what is undoubtedly, by far, #GambiasBiggestEvent. We look forward to celebrating with you.
#OMF2019 is engaged in a collaborative project called AfriCourage in partnership with the Goethe Institut and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). With AfriCourage, the OpenMicFest platform will for the first time ever, open up to international performers. The LIVE broadcast by the EBU’s member organizations is expected to draw in a much sought-after non-Gambian audience. The AfriCourage project is also bringing in sound technicians / engineers, journalists, broadcasters on a knowledge exchange and skills transfer mission. The team will be hosting hands-on training workshops to that effect.
In keeping with tradition, programming for Night 1 will capture the spirit and essence of what the OpenmMicFest was built on, the much anticipated All-Gambian line-up. This showcase has for the past 11 years, attracted more attendees than any other event in The Gambia approximating 12,000 to 15,000 fans. This looks set to double with the introduction of a second night.
Night 2 will feature AfriCourage programming with a diverse repertoire as it is meant to give an international face to the festival. The billing will feature a mix of some of the best known Gambian artistes alongside a host of acts from West Africa and Europe. DJ’s will also be included in the line-up for the first ever so expect a real party atmosphere. Stay tuned for the release of the official line-up.
OpenMicFest 