Moussa Ngom, Banjul
Moussa Ngom · Banjul · Senegal · 1990 · Music production: Lamine Faye Exclusive distributor: Ibou Toure – Cantine “B-86” – Sandaga
Moussa Ngom (often spelled Musa Ngum; 1953–2015) was a Gambian singer-songwriter and musician, as well as a leading figure in contemporary Senegambian music. Born in Fatoto, The Gambia, he began his musical career between the late 1960s and early 1970s. He achieved widespread recognition as the lead vocalist of the Gambian group Guelewar Band of Banjul, blending traditional rhythms with funk, jazz, and psychedelic influences. In 1985, he moved to Dakar and joined the historic Senegalese ensemble Super Diamono, performing alongside Omar Pène and contributing to the evolution of the mbalax genre.
Toward the end of the 1980s, he pursued a solo career, releasing works such as the album Banjul in collaboration with arranger Lamine Faye. His music incorporated traditional njuup rhythms and the xiin percussion typical of the Baye Fall brotherhood. He died in Dakar on October 11, 2015, at the age of 61, following a sudden illness after a concert commemorating his 40-year career, and was buried in Touba.
Throughout his life, Ngom advocated for cultural and political integration between The Gambia and Senegal (Senegambia). As a symbolic stance, he habitually wore mismatched clothing and shoes of two different colors, stating that he would only wear matching shoes once the two nations were united under a single flag.
This is the cassette of the album Banjul, released in 1990 by Senegambian singer-songwriter Moussa Ngom. The album is one of Moussa Ngom's best-known solo projects outside the group Super Diamono, featuring a blend of traditional rhythms and modern mbalax sounds.
Musical direction: Arrangements and compositions were handled by Lamine Faye, who was also responsible for drum-machine programming, guitar, and backing vocals.
Recording: The tracks were recorded and mixed in Dakar at Studio MIDI-MUSIQUE under the technical direction of Aziz Dieng, Soce Diop, and Lamine Faye.
Executive production: Production is credited to Pape Ndoye.
Distribution network: Commercial distribution was handled exclusively by Ibou Toure through stall “B-86” at Dakar's Sandaga Market, a major hub for audio media sales in the region.
Printing and graphics: Photography is by Sara Boundo, while the layout, photocomposition, and printing of the paper insert were carried out in France (in Feucherolles).
Tracce
Lato A
- Banjul
- Sangue
- Kamalimba
Lato B
- Saloum
- Kall
- Mbek