Price: D200,$7,£5, €6 Issue 03 February 2012
CELEBRATIING THE GAMBIA- LIVE!
Magazine ear’s new y n
editio
FATOU MASS JOBE
TAKING GAMBIA TOURISM A NOTCH HIGHER
Elegance Launch 2011 exclusive El Hadji Diouf interview
PRESIDENT JAMMEH ELECTION VICTORY 2011
AISHA WEDS ABDUL AZIZ KEBBEH GAMBIA HAS INTERNATIONAL BRAND HOTELS: ALIEU SECKA
FOOD & DRINKS SELECTION
Mbalax Queen Viviane 1 Elegance February 2012
Elegance February 2012
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Publisher’s Letter
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the third edition of Elegance, The Gambia’s most read and popular magazine. This magazine was designed as a means to reinvent the demand or quality entertainment while supplying the talent, information and positive support, for our readership across the globe. No Gossip Here! We guide background talent to centre stage and deal with professionals who have made a conscientious choice to make a difference. We are on a MISSION! Our motto is to promote, educate, encourage, entertain and inform. Although it’s not an easy job we are glad to say we are back with another dimension. This time around we are bringing you an exclusive coverage of tourism with appealing interviews and features which bring into focus The Gambia’s Honourable Minister of Tourism and Culture Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie and the Chairman of Gambia Hotel Association Alieu Secka, to share with you more alluring facts about The Gambia’s leisure and hospitality industry. Our focus on Tourism is timely as we are in the tourism season of The Gambia, which is everyone’s business; hence we feel part and parcel of tourism, which is The Gambia’s numbers of Gambians and non-Gambians to show their love and largest foreign exchange earner and appreciation for Elegance, is also on the menu provides employment for tens of of this edition. We say we are indebted to thousands of people in the country. you for your show of love and appreciation of It therefore deserves to be protected Elegance Magazine. Bravo to you all! We are and promoted by all and sundry. here to serve you.
We are on a MISSION! Our maotto is to promote, educate, encourage, entertain and inform...
We also had the opportunity once again of meeting with interesting and supportive people who are worth celebrating. Popular columns and sections of our content like Fashion, Health, Events and News are filled with riveting and captivating articles that will keep you informed, entertained and edified. Our features of events which capture Gambians both at home and in the diaspora bring our readers on both sides of the world closer to each other while our interviews with El Hadji Diouf, Viviane N’Dure and other stars give this edition an international glamour.
Many thanks to my family, friends, Elegance staff, well-wishers and our entire readership and esteemed advertisers for supporting me in our cause of showcasing The Gambia’s talents and bringing out the real issues pertaining to its beauty, lifestyle, fashion, cultural flare and many other attributes. I once again want to leave you with the taste of a very Special Tourism and a New Year Edition as I say a very Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all. Till our next edition, please enjoy your read and keep in touch!
We have also introduced SUBSCRIPTION TO ELEGANCE, which gives our readers the opportunity of RECEIVING a year’s worth of the magazine delivered at their doors. Season’s Greetings! Chilel Sarr The launching of our first and second editions earlier last year at CEO & Publisher the international brand Coco Ocean Hotel, which attracted large
3 Elegance February 2012
Elegance outlets
The Team
Gambia Sirra’s Harry’s Super market Timbookto bookshop All elton Petrol Station Galp Petrol station
Ceo & Publisher
SENEGAL Pape Ali Nyang 00221-775270527
Contributing editor
LONDON Aji Makka Nyass Tel:00447723023263
Bishnu Kumar
SWEDEN Omorty Thompson Tel:0046762266822
Chilel Sarr
Editor
Ousman Kargbo Jaw Manneh
Chief Designer Agony Aunt Fatou Dibba
Operations Manager Fra Barber
NORWAY Ida Sarr Tel:004792255280
Logistic
NORWAY 2-RAYZ SYDICATE TEL:0047 47165455
Chilel Sarr elegancemag@live.co.uk
USA Modou Jargue Tel: 001678633554 Nigeria Lucky Onoriode George. 7B, Regina Omolara Street, Off Opebi-Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234-8033546608. The Team
Elegance Media Group 118 Kairaba Avenue Serekunda,Gambia West Africa Tel:00220-3770067 or 6700067 Website: www.elegance.gm
Yaya Tamba
Advertsing
Photographer Dawda Jobe
Reporters
Haddy Jawara Njie Baldeh
Contributors
Baby Rose Sarr Jula Mahenera Mbye Touray Pa Goreh Mbye Pape Sandigie Njie
5 Elegance February 2012
Contents
8 Girls 11Nawadays
Thrilling tale of Gambian international model Fatou Jome
16 18
Mbalax Queen Viviane GAMBIA HAS INTERNATIONAL BRAND HOTELS: ALIEU SECKA
21 24 28
HANG OUTS Fatou Mas Jobe: Taking Gambia Tourism a notch Higher
PRESIDENT JAMMEH ELECTION VICTOR Y 2011
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36
Elegance Launch
43
Book L aunching & July 4th reunion 2011
45
14
The Awarding Ceremony
exclusive El Hadji Diouf interview
49 JOKES
63
50
The fashion show
64
53
London CULTURAL WEEK 2011
56
Kanku Sissoho Famed merchant of Kanks Classics
59
AGONY AUNT
60
Chat with Alieu Sallah
62
Elegance exclusive pictures
Once Upon A Time In Sahel Mistakes Parents Make With Teens and Tweens
66
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with Viviene
68
FOOD & DRINKS SELECTION
70 Celebrity News
72
AISHA Weds ABDUL AZIZ KEBBEH
75
2012 BANJUL EGEREH
78
Horoscope 7 Elegance February 2012
Thrilling tale of
Gambian international model Fatou Jome
F
or a girl that left her native Gambia at a tender age, one would have thought the allure of Glam and most importantly making money would be her motivation for grabbing her modeling career by the neck. But even with a respectable portfolio, the delectable, leggy and forward looking model Fatou Jome, fondly called by her sobriquet Rasta Baby by a few others, sees beyond the vagaries of the fashion industry she suddenly stumbled into some years ago. “My passion in life is to succeed in everything I do and by success I don’t mean having a vault of Pounds or Dollars in some secret bank in Switzerland or Cayman Island, of cause I would love to be financially successful, but that doesn’t form the basis of my passion for the career I have chosen to thread. What drives me as a model is the [desire] for my family name and, most importantly my country to be recognized internationally through my efforts on the runway and in the several other sub units associated with modeling.
feel like a girl going to a dreadful 9-5 but can’t quit because she needs paycheck. The day I begin to do that will be the day I change career.
lived in The Gambia. I was a young tomboy then, so it surprised me when people asked that question; I never really gave it a thought then as I was a tender-barely-exposed “I do what I enjoy doing for a living eighteen-year old[girl]. and I even get the best of clothes, shoes and other fashion accessories “My first taste of modeling was in that I may never even wear since high school back in The Gambia. “For me the industry is my football I’m hardly the outgoing type. I give I attended Ice High School (I the Almighty Allah thanks for that.” understand it has been closed). It field and my trophy is the delight was some kind of fashion show (I my performance on the runway The brown eyed model’s face wish I could remember the details), gives the designers I model for, of lightens up anytime she is asked but I remember the experience as cause I get paid for what I do but how she came about modeling. “It the most frightening. It wasn’t then again, if modeling wasn’t a passion for me I would probably be was a totally random thing for me an easy task for me back then at first, I had always been asked, that leggy model that hates what she because all I wanted was to dress sometimes harassed by people if I does for a living. I would probably and act like a boy. was a model while my family still Elegance February 2012
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So getting thrown into an environment where I was expected to act feminine was strange, but my female hormones kicked into gear immediately I got on stage and I couldn’t hear enough of ‘have you been doing this before?; why don’t you go into modeling?’It was all blah blah to me because my vision was the Rasta man’s vision, not a skinny bone showing off her fleshless backside. “I began to put serious thoughts to modeling in 2003, even though like every traditional African family, my studies were all my folks cared about. As tough as my folks can be they are also very supporting people (God bless them). As soon as they noticed I have developed a passion for modeling they guided me through my studies and helped me nurture the passion for modeling without any of the two suffering. “I was literally tossed into modeling by a complete stranger who approached me at a park in America where I had been enjoying the summer breeze, he walked up to me and asked if I would like to be a model in the Miss Liberia Pageant, I didn’t even a smidgen of hesitation [about the offer]., We exchanged details and that was when it dawned on me how deep in crap I had gotten my behind because the little I knew about Liberia was that they had just emerged from a civil war and the country is Diamond rich. “That show was the eye opener; I began to scurry through magazines, studying postures and facial expressions instead of drooling at the shoes and bags as I had always done (after I shed off my tomboy status). I became glued to fashion
shows on TV, and deprived my brothers and dad the TV remote. I craved for the opportunity to go professional. “After high school I got an invitation to Orlando Florida to the Wilhelmina Modelling Convention. I was very excited, but nervous at the same time. The event turned out a big success for me, in full view of thousands of models that attended it. It was at that point I looked in the mirror and called myself a model,. The air grew and I walked in the model aura. My mantra was and still is ‘you are a model, you will be successful, people will try to break you but look beyond their antics and you will succeed in this, because this is what you love’.. “At the moment I work with two modelling agencies, one in Minnesota and the other in Chicago but New York is calling and I am heeding the call. As a Nigerian musician said, ‘obstacle stand on road, I jump am pass’. So I can’t be stopped, my dreams have surpassed the limitations imposed either by tradition or segregation
‘‘ My passion in life is to succeed in everything I do and by success I don’t mean having a vault of Pounds or Dollars in some secret bank in Switzerland or Cayman Island...
“There are a few models of Gambian origin across the globe.. I would love to work with them.” Also referred to as Tuta, Fatou has performed for top-notch fronts in the theatres of fashion, including MN International Fashion show, B-96 Fashion show. She has appeared in print and broadcast ads. She shares part of her days with kids with special needs when she is not ripping the runway.
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Coco Ocean
Newest opulence Coco Ocean Resort & Spa is the newest and most opulent five star boutique resort and spa in The Gambia. It opened in December 2008 and continues to build on the reputation of its renowned sister hotel – The Coconut Residence. Set next to the beautiful Bijilo Beach the 60 suites offer a variety of accommodation from Junior Suites up to Royal Villas with their own spa and indoor heated swimming pool. All rooms are luxuriously appointed with a simple and tranquil décor. The Moorish architecture with impressive Domes is unique and breathtaking and yet harmonises perfectly with the simple and elegant furnishings of the hotel.
The deightlful restaurants offer a variety of International, Thai, Moroccan and Fusion influences. Safran Restaurant offers à la carte ocean-view fine dining. Coco Beach Restaurant offers lunch in the most glorious location imaginable with an open kitchen to allow guests to watch the chef at work. Finally, Safran Restaurant offers à la carte fine dining with ocean views. The courtyard area with three tumbling show pools also has an open kitchen and outdoor restaurant area, and encompasses the breakfast room and the lounge area.
Success The Spa – the first of its kind in West Africa – has already proved to be an enormous success. With specialist staff and therapists it has a holistic approach to treatments, relaxation and de-stressing. Covering over 1,800 square meters, with luxurious ocean view treat-
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ment rooms, it includes a Moroccan Hamam, sauna, ice plunge pool, Thalasso pool, wet and dry body treatment areas, beauty services including facials, manicure and pedicure. Spa Boutiques offer a large variety of beauty products and hair care. There is also a resident hairdresser and a well equipped gym. Specialist staff are on hand to arrange weddings, conferences, special anniversaries or to tailor make a trip outside the hotel to enjoy all that The Gambia has to offer. For those who feel it is time to indulge – Coco Ocean Resort & Spa is the perfect place to be pampered in paradise.
GIRLS
NOWADAYS Yassin Sosseh
Girls
Girls Girls.
Girls are usually cheerful,nice,easygoing,lovely creatures. Girls are just girls. Its not easy being a girl. the new fashion trends that girls follow nowadays is classic, elegant, and some very disastrous. Clothes, shoes, bags and hair extensions is a must have for a girl. Smell good and look nice is a must thing. Girls love to party and also dance alot..They love music and some are bookaholics(novels). Girls do not like to follow the trends that their mothers use to follow. They’ll start dating at the early age of 15 or 16. Some date boys and some engage themselves with men, some even go to the extent of dating married men, which can be very disastrous. At the end, many end up with unwanted
pregnancies which destroys and mostly puts a full stop[.] on their lives . Girls are now terminating pregnancies without the sole knowledge of their parents. Going to nightclubs at an early age, without their parents knowing, because they could have use the excuse of going to a party.. YES,Every girl needs to enjoy her life, but it should be in a way that will uphold your name and in a way that will not tarnish your famiily’s image in the society at large. Girls are very intelligent but some tend to diminish their level of intelligence by peer pressure. Peer groups can be advantageous when all the people in the group are motivated and goal oriented. They know what they want in life and work hard towards achieving it. On the contrary when the peers in the group are living the life ahead of
them, peer groups proves to be a disaster . They think they are old-enough to lead their own lives. “live Love Life” as some would say... A strong Mother-Daughter relationship I believe lacks alot amongs families nowadays too. A regular sitting of this pair could prove to be a vital step towards changing or even avoiding most adverse incidents from occuring to Girls . The knowledge mothers could just pass on to thier daughters on issues like marriage , childbirth , risks in abortion is very neccesarry .Girls on the other hand obeying their parents would just make things work for the society at large.Girls nowadays are living for themselves , STRONG ,SCARED and very VULNERABLE...
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13 Elegance February 2012
exclusive El Hadji Diouf interview
Ya awa conater & Musa Ceesay (The Event’s Host)
Diouf & Gambian-UK Athlete (Sprint)
Diouf & Fan
El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf, born 15 January 1981 in the Senegalese capital Dakar rose to international prominence during the 2002 Fifa World Cup when the Teranga Lions shocked the world with the humiliating defeat of holders France in the opening of games. It was Senegal’s first ever appearance in the 2002 World Cup. Diouf started his international career in France, where he played for Sochaux, Rennes and Lens. Although scorned by the English press and critics as a hothead, Diuof remains an icon for African football and an inspiration for emerging home grown talents, having won CAF African Player of the Year in two consecutive years – 2001 and 2002. But since his appearance in the World Cup, the Senegalese forward has spent most of his career in England and Scotland. He has gone on to play for Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and now a loan spell at Glasgow Rangers. Elegance Magazine caught up with Senegal football star El Hadji Diouf during his July visit to The Gambia, in honour of the Gambia Sports Journalists Award Ceremony held at Jerma Beach Hotel. Elegance February 2012
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Diouf Signing an autograph
EM: It’s an honour to have you on this one-onone exclusive interview. You have enormous support from Gambian likewise Senegalese football fans. Needless to say, they’d love to know a lot more about you. Diouf: El Hadji Diouf is the Senegambian footballer currently playing professional football in England.
Kalilou Fadiga. You seem to have a strong affinity with him? Diouf: Kalilou is both a friend and ‘an elder brother’. Our relationship dates back to childhood. Our mothers were also the best of friends. I can remember when his mum died; I believed it was more painful to me than it was to him. However we remain bonded together by Allah and that’s why we will always stand EM: It seems that you seldom come to The by each other. Gambia and mostly it’s on international encounter with the Scorpions of The Gambia. EM: Now that Kalilou is no longer an active Having had this direct contact with The footballer, what is his new preoccupation? Gambia and Gambians, particularly the Diouf: Yes, it’s true he’s no longer active on the media, do you plan to come back anytime pitch, but he is a football agent. We are always soon? together, we travel together. Even when we Diouf: Yes, possibly. As a matter of fact, I have are in different places, a day never passes been invited by the Gambian press to do without talking to each other. something with them and I am really happy about that. As you say, I usually only come to EM: It is said that you even share the same The Gambia for football. However, I can say room. that this time I came for just another important Diouf: Yes, of course; we share everything. event and I hope to come back to The Gambia We used to play together. And, when you go for other affairs connected to my foundation. on national team duty, you have to share a room with another player; and he and I would EM: Foundation? always share a room during those times. Diouf: Yes, my foundation. It’s call Diouf EM: We presented you with a copy of Foundation. Elegance Magazine, what is your take on it? EM: You have been accompanied on this trip Diouf: The magazine is exceptional and by another celebrated Senegalese footballer the quality is what I would call a European
Diouf & A Girl Fan
standard. You only see this kind of quality magazines in developed countries. I’m deeply impressed. I would appeal to all Gambians to support and help promote Elegance because you are doing a great job and contributing to national development. I really do appeal to each and every Gambian to come in and help Elegance in their quest to make a difference and promote this wonderful country. I take this opportunity to thank all Gambians especially my fans; a big thank you to you all. EM: El Hadji Diouf, thank you and hope we catch up soon again.
CEO & Diouf
Diouf, Alasan Ndour & a female fan Elegance CEO (one on one) with Diuof
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Diouf, Khalilou Fadiga & Alieu
Queen
Mbalax Viviane on her adventure If there is a female pop singer whose genre of music has had profound effect on Greater Senegambia in recent times, Viviane (Chidid) Ndour perfectly fits in that profile. The prolific Senegalese sensation enjoys a swelling tide of popularity in the region and abroad, especially among young generations of Senegambian descent. Crowned in many corners as the reigning ‘Queen’ of Mbalax, Viviane regularly tours Senegambia and abroad, staging barnstorming performances. The sexy beauty blends music with glamour, culture and fashion. Viviane has an incredible talent in marrying Mbalax with elements of R&B and Rap music, both in beats and in lyrics. Most of her lyrics revolve around relationships and spirituality. They portray striking metaphors, often sensual and virtuous.
In an encounter with the Elegance CEO, Viviane recounted her music adventure, dreamed about her clothing line and talked about other life experiences that have defined her character as a celebrity. Read on:
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EM: EM: Who is Viviane? I am a Senegalese singer and a mother of two children – a boy and a girl.
resorts. My big break came in 1993 when I joined the Super Etoile, led by Youssou N’Dour. I joined as a backing vocalist.
EM: What inspired you into music? I loved music from an early age and took the chance to sing with bands at hotels and in the local
EM: Super Etoile offered the music theatre where you actualized your talent. You are amazingly fame in The Gambia and beyond. When was
your first performance in The Gambia? It was in 2000 when I came to The Gambia, the first time I played with a live band, the wonderful Jollof Band. The concert was well-attended, full of people. Some people even raced on to the stage to where I was positioned. I was really welcomed with love and warmth here. I had never had that anywhere. Since then, anywhere I go in the world, Gambians always come out in large numbers. They really appreciate [my music] and support me, from the president down. That is why I can’t release an album without mentioning The Gambia... because of the love they have shown me. EM: You are embroiled in a career that hugely demanding. You are also a mother of two. How do you juggle all these roles and yet you seem to maintain your balance? We are lucky here in Africa because of our extended family system. Whenever I want to travel, I can leave my children with my family especially my mum and sister. It’s just the way you organize things. Occasionally, I travel with them and they love it. I even take them to some of my concerts and my daughter will be telling me ‘mum, wear this, wear that’ (laughs). She is even in one of my video clips Kumu Nexul. EM: In the Nemu Nexul video clip you dressed completely traditional? Kumu Nexul is a traditional song. I decided to dress traditional to complement the song and to let people know that the song is a traditional one. EM: In our part of the world, miracles are often associated with saints and people with spiritual high ground. But I heard that when you went to Touba during the last Maagal (annual pilgrimage to the birthplace of the revered Serigne Bamba Mbacke and
founder of the Mouride brotherhood) you took a picture of the tomb of Serigne Fallou Mbacke (last son of Serigne Bamba) and his image appeared on your cellphone camera. Can you demystify that story? I went through that (chuckles). It is something I experienced, but people did not appreciate it probably because I’m a Senegalese and an African. When I showed the picture to the Serigne that was what he said to me. He said if it was a ‘White or an Arab, they would have believed the person’. But because I am a Senegalese, and they see me in video clips wearing short outfits, they don’t believe me. But I thank Allah for it. I just want to share it with the world. I am a Mouride. I was converted through Serigne Salieu. He named me Mam Jarra and he was my Serigne (sheikh). EM: You staged two performances for far in 2011. How did the last concert go? Viviane: Mashallah! it was very nice, I really appreciate it and the turnout was good. I felt this is my country. EM: I heard in your last album you dedicated the track Histoire d’amour to the first lady. Are you two intimate friends or do you have a relationship with her? Viviane: I know if I sing for the first lady, it is like I am singing for the president. The president really appreciates me. What I am saying is something he said. He said he ‘recognizes my efforts’. He is a very good person, very humble. So the only thing we can do [in return] is to appreciate him. That’s why I decided to dedicate Histoire d’amour track to the first lady.
EM: What do you think of Elegance magazine? Viviane: We’ve known each other for a while and I am not surprise that you did this. The quality is excellent! You are doing something great here. When you believe in yourself anything you do always comes out good. You are enlightening people. So I am encouraging you to keep it up. When I saw the fashion page of your first edition, I had to call you because I love fashion. I am even planning to open a boutique. I am going to call it VIVO and will carry my brand. I am going to create my own mark, and I am also planning to have a branch here in The Gambia, of course! I am doing this because people tell me they like the way I dress; so they will soon have a chance to buy my designs. EM: Since you have become so successful to the extent of wanting to start your own brand, are you free to trudge around? Viviane: No I can’t do that now, not here. I only do that when I travel abroad (laughs). EM: Any special message to all your Gambian fans? Viviane: What I have here in The Gambia, I don’t have it anywhere and wherever I go I will say this. So I am working very hard to make sure that I never disappoint my fans.
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GAMBIA HAS INTERNATIONAL BRAND HOTELS: ALIEU SECKA Ousman Kargbo
The Gambia Hotel Association (GHA) is an independent body of the hotel industry, arguably the largest employer in The Gambia. The association’s primary aims are representation and advocacy on behalf of the membership as well as to develop the tourism potential of The Gambia. The GHA also supports the Gambia Hotel School, which is the industry’s main supplier for staff recruitment. It as well serves as a focal point between its members and other agencies and promotes corporate marketing such as trade fairs, hotel guide publication and printing of promotional materials.
The Gambia, popularly known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, is cherished by tourists from around the world for its luxurious beaches, resorts, tourism and cultural sights as well as for its friendly people, but the country’s new rising fame is fast taking root in the standards and quality service of its hotels, some of which are international brands while others are rapidly being developed to a five-star level. These human, topographic and accommodative features of the country have made its leisure industry one of the most loved destinations in Africa, especially with the invaluable contribution of the hoteliers’ vibrant umbrella body – the Gambia Hotel Association - that promotes members’ activities through professional representation and advocacy.
The standards and services of hotels in the country have continued to go a notch higher to meet tourists’ expectations, as the country embarks on marketing itself vigorously to the outside world. “During the last few years, there has been tremendous growth in the variety and class of hotels in the country, from the international brands of Sheraton Hotel and Laico Atlantic Hotel, to the world class Coco Ocean Resort, the top selling Kairaba Beach Hotel, the new properties of Dunes, the Golden Beach, Njeliba, and the Sunwing Beach Hotel,” says Alieu Secka, Chairman of Gambia Hotel Association, which includes all major hotels in The Gambia. Almost all hotels in The Gambia are also located on beautiful beaches providing
stunning views of sunset on the Atlantic Ocean. Says Mr Secka: “Last year, the GTA – the Gambia Tourism Authority (now Gambia Tourism Board), also introduced a hotel classification from 2 – 5 stars and the Ministry is now planning service standards system. “At the GHA, we also put serious emphasis on operational staff training, which we consider a continued process to meet tourists’ expectations.” The Gambia can also boast of superb and rich tourism sights and products that attract huge numbers of tourists. And one significant aspect of the West African state is that peace and stability prevails, which is a cornerstone for attracting visitors and lucrative investments. “The most important issue for any traveller to any destination is peace, and thanks to the Almighty God, we have that in The Gambia. We must all guard that jealously,” the GHA chairman says. “Then, our people are renowned worldwide for being amongst the friendliest! We have new upmarket hotels such as Coco Ocean, Sheraton, Kairaba and also unique ecotourism resorts such as Makasutu, Sitanunku Lodge and Sandele. River Gambia, which is underutilised at the moment, has huge opportunities too, and The Gambia’s rich cultural values need to be explored more.”
With CNN’s Richard Quest
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ernment in its honour’s list, the Africa Travel Association, and the Africa Quarterly Travel magazine, for my modest efforts for some of these achievements.”
Over the years, the GHA has brought remarkable achievements into the tourism sector. Mr Secka, who has been chairman of the association for over five years, says that in line with diversifying the tourism source markets, the GHA championed the sub-regional tourism marketing in 2007, which has contributed in attracting several thousands of guests, particularly from Nigeria, to The Gambia to enjoy their holidays. “We also advocated for the hosting of the Africa Travel Association Congress in 2010 which brought travel and tourism professionals from all over Africa, the US and the rest of the world to experience and sample the warmth of The Gambia, which they can in turn promote to potential guests,” Mr Secka notes. He explained further: “Working with CNN, we were also able to run 40 spots on the largest satellite network in the world. We further partner constructively with the Ministry of Tourism, the Gambia Tourism Board and other stakeholders to promote The Gambia together. “Through dialogue and engagement, we regularly engage all partners in promoting and protecting one of The Gambia’s largest sector investments in Travel & Tourism, estimated at GMD808.3mn or 10% of total investment in 2011.
As a major stakeholder the GHA has been working hand in glove with the Gambia Tourism Board, whose mandate is to market Destination Gambia. Recently a tourism marketing committee (TMC) was appointed by the Ministry of Tourism to reinforce traditional source markets and look at the possibility of engaging new ones including the sub-region – Nigeria in particular, as well as Italy, Russia, east Europe and other markets. “We expect this committee to present their plans during the next few weeks, and you can be sure that in addition to all the activities that I have touched on, Gambia Hotel Association will be on board,” Mr Secka said, adding that the association fully supports all the activities in promotion by actively participating directly as well as by presentation of materials. However, the association is not without its challenges or problems as it continues to contribute immensely to the growth of the tourism industry and the socio-economic development of the country. In every business there are ups and downs, Mr Secka says, adding that some of the major challenges facing the association and the sector at large are air accessibility, seasonal tourism and access to finance from banks. He said: “Unfortunately The Gambia does not have its own scheduled airlines and relies on tour operator charters that run only between November and April. Brussels Airlines fills this vacuum well and presently has 3 flights per week with world class service, but its cost structure is relatively expensive and so is Monarch. “We are aware of some interest by other airlines and we encourage these to start business as soon as possible, which will therefore provide more competition and options for travellers to visit The Gambia throughout the year.
“Additionally, I have been invited worldwide to deliver papers on The Gambia’s tourism successes and challenges, which gives the GHA a further platform to promote Destina- “You can also imagine the economic implition Gambia. I am particularly humbled to cations for the businesses that only operate have been recognised by The Gambia Gov-
half of the year, as well as on our staffing, the banking sector, fuel, companies, local suppliers, crafts markets, boat operators, restaurants, taxi drivers, supermarkets, peanut and fruit sellers at the airport, etc. “The high bank interest rates of between 20-30% makes it almost impossible also to succeed in business, thus also hampers re-investment.” Being in a peak tourism season – November to April – the sector is expected to attract a good number of tourists into the country. So far, Mr Secka said, arrivals are much better for November and December 2011. “After all, The Gambia, overall, needs to recover from last year’s economic difficulties and drop, and we are pleased to be assured by the last IMF country report,” he stated. “We are still unsure though for the remainder of the months from January until April, but we will not rest on our laurels, and will need to continue our efforts in marketing, particularly in the sub-region, to fill our hotels, especially during the summer.” Tourism in Gambia provides employment for over nine-three thousand Gambians and non-Gambians both in the formal and informal sector and is the second main contributor to the county’s GDP. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, one in seven people employed in The Gambia come from travel and tourism. “Tourism is everyone’s business; we must all promote and protect it,” says Mr Secka.
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HANGWhere O U T S things happen Elegance magazine presents some suggested places to hang out to mark real “night life in The Gambia” The Gambia has a wide spectrum of spots where things happen: nightclub shows, folklore shows and culture shows are some of the fantastic entertainments that keep you alive till daybreak, if you choose to. For example Kololi/Senegambia is a place endowed with many hang outs such as bar and restaurants, nightclubs and other entertainment centres that give you all the pleasures in the night and day you can think of. And some of these exotic centres where you can hang out and enjoy real night life in The Gambia are WOW Nightclub, Aquarius, Duplex, Jalliba Night Club and Ozio Lounge. All these and many more can be found in Kololi, Senegambia and other places in The Gambia.
Gambian discos are fairly informal and have a good cross-section of clientele from the very young, right through to the oldies - everyone is there to have a good time, so no one feels out of place. The mood is easy. For instance, WOW Night Club in Kololi now opens 7 days a week 365 days a year and there is a charge of between D25 and D100 depending on the programme running on the night you visit. Hats and bags are permitted but security of course reserves the right to search you. The club has two pool tables, a game costs D50. Another spot in Kololi is Aquarius. This glass-fronted premises is a real eyecatcher. Opposite the Tao Chinese Restaurant, and with plants growing all along its front, Aquarius has a large screen
showing a movie - any movie “and the music keeps on playing, on and on”. That aside, this place has a pleasant, almost European atmosphere. Entrance is always FREE, but you are encouraged to drink by the very attentive waitresses who remove empty glasses immediately and ask you for your orders. Aquarius always has people sitting and dancing and gives the impression of a place where people start off the night before moving on to the real thing. Within the same vicinity, off from the closet of Aquarius and Wow Night Club is Duplex Night Club. This is the country’s largest venue with the latest entertainment technology pumping out R and B, Pop, Reggae and other popular tracks. It is just too fantastic at Duplex.
In all these spots, there are great bands banging out all kinds of music ranging from European to African and local Gambian tracks. Sometimes a DJ and the mix of people plus especially the nightlife ladies will turn every tired guy on, with some sexy splashes. There are also culture and folklore shows filled with fun and excitement. Furthermore, there is hip-hop, rock and R&B with live music by various bands in between that create non-stop dancing from the exotic mix of people. These places are the right evening entertainment centres and also secrets of the nightlife scene and from most hotels in Kololi/Senegambia they are within walking distance. If you are further off, take any taxi and in the shortest possible time you will see yourself right there full of life, taste and pleasure.
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WELCOME TO
BANJUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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> Banjul International Airport is located about 26km from the capital
city of The Gambia and 12km from the Tourism Development Area. Being the only international airport in The Gambia, it has a monopoly over all airlines operating into and out of The Gambia. Banjul International Airport, then Yundum, served as re-fueling stop for Trans-Atlantic flights and flights to Europe during the period 1940 – 1959 and had also been used as an emergency landing site by the space shuttle. The airports infrastructure and human resource capabilities enabled various airlines of Heads of States to land here during the 2006 African Union Summit held in The Gambia.
> Banjul International Airport is state owned and administered by the Civil Aviation Authority of The Gambia.
Tel: 00 220 4472893, 00 220 4472831 Fax: 00 220 4472190 Email: 23dgg@gcaa.aero www.gcaa.aero Elegance February 2012
FATOU MAS JOBE:
TAKING GAMBIA TOURISM A NOTCH HIGHER
Ousman Kargbo
E
mbarking on a strategy aimed at significantly increasing tourism numbers entering The Gambia is a fertile path to tread and attracting half a million visitors a year by 2012 will certainly be a challenging exercise. High on the agenda of Gambia’s Tourism Minister Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie is the implementation of the policies that have been put in place by government to meet this objective. Her strides, coupled with the support and encouragement she receives from President Yayah Jammeh’s government, to attract greater tourist numbers and create a visitor friendly environment is confirmation that the tourism sector has continued to receive high priority from the government in its quest to enhance and diversify the country’s economic growth. And the young and optimistic Gambian Tourism Minister armed with a wealth of experience in her industry has put in place strategies and methodology to boost the tourism sector and deliver the goods. “We are expecting about 200,000 tourists this season and are working to claim about half a million next year,” Hon. Mas JobeNjie tells Elegance Magazine in this exclusive interview that covers a wide range of issues on Gambia Tourism. Elegance February 2012
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EM: Since you assumed the office of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in 2010, the tourism industry has experienced a great deal of improvement in many areas such as the Tourism Development Area, tourist arrival, and hotel standard of services and hygiene. What is responsible for the developments and changes you have injected into the tourism industry over the year? Fatou Mas Jobe: When I assumed office in February 2010, the first thing I did was to organize a tourism stakeholders meeting where a series of issues affecting the growth of our tourism industry were identified. The list was long but the main ones were: marketing, product development, air access, environment (coastal erosion) and service delivery. In order to address these challenges, my Ministry developed a fiveyear Corporate Plan and a Sister Marketing Plan both to be implemented over a five-year period. The two plans dictate all the positive changes currently taking place in the tourism industry. EM: Under your stewardship, how is The Gambia tourism industry being marketed internationally to attract more tourists to the country? FMJ: We have embarked on a series of activities to create awareness about The Gambia abroad, especially Western Europe. To this end, we have attended trade fairs, printed promotional materials, organised FAM trips, and developed an interactive website: www.visitthe Gambia.gm. With
support of the World Bank sponsored Growth and Competiveness project, we have entered into agreements with major Europebased tour operators to promote Gambia Tourism in Western European countries (the UK, Holland, and Germany). The International tour operators are Meiers Weltresen, Thomas Cook, Gambia Experience and TUI Holland.
EM: What is your expected turnout or arrival of tourists into The Gambia this tourism season that started few weeks ago and what supports your expectations? FMJ: The Gambia as a viable and credible tourist destination is now well known and well respected home and abroad thanks to the aggressive promotion and marketing strategies enunciated and fully funded under the ongoing reform. The reforms have begun
EM: What is the Gambia government and your ministry really doing to uplift Gambian tourism and “Standards in our hotels are high and make it yield real benefits for comparable to any part of the world. We have adopted a hotel classification system the country’s economy and by which hotels are rated 1 – 5 star based on people? their facilities. However, there is still room for FMJ: Currently, we are working to reform the Gambia improvement and the hotels are continually improving their facilities and services.” Tourism Authority into a more robust and result-oriented institution known as Gambia Tourism to pay dividends given the record arrivals this Board. We are also undertaking aggressive year which will significantly increase tourism marketing abroad all with a view of uplifting contribution to GDP and create jobs for our tourism industry. Also there are serious record number of Gambians and ultimately efforts to diversify our source market and improve quality of life. regain the German and Scandinavian The forecast for this winter tourist season is markets. very positive and with all things being equal, The massive transformation this sector arrivals will surpass that of last year. We have is undergoing is derived from the vision opened new fronts in Germany and Nigeria; and guidance of His Excellency, The and for the first time in many years Condor President. The modernization of the airport, has resumed flights operations between the pavement of roads and general Frankfurt in Germany and Banjul, bringing us improvements in communication, the tourists from the lucrative German Market. emergence of state-of-the-art hotels, Also, various tour operators, notably Gambia which are a deliberate policy of the APRC Experience and Thomas Cook UK, have Government, have all augured well for the increased their flights to Banjul this tourist development of the tourism sector. season. EM: How do you rate the standard of Gambian hotels and their services to guests compared to other destinations around the world, especially in Africa? FMJ: Standards in our hotels are high and comparable to any part of the world. We have adopted a hotel classification system by which hotels are rated 1 – 5 star based on their facilities. However, there is still room for improvement and the hotels are continually improving their facilities and services. EM: Where would you advise hotel owners and hoteliers to do more to meet tourists’ expectations? 25 Elegance February 2012
We are also promoting meetings and conference tourism whereby major international organizations like the UN, ECOWAS, the AU and NGOs hold meetings in Banjul.
provides a perfect experience for the potential visitors. EM: How do you see Elegance magazine and it roles to the Gambia? FMJ: I see Elegance magazine as a magazine that is out to promote The Gambia and her people through its life and style and fashion and design beats as well as through its development features of the country. The way the managing editor of the magazine, Chilel Sarr, treats people is professional. For instance, if she tells you ‘I will come’ she will not fail; this is good. She also has a professional approach in doing things; I
EM: What about all-year-round tourism - What’s the plan for it and how is it faring, if at all it is receiving full attention? FMJ: All-year-round “My aspirations are tourism is still a to see tourism grow challenge for my Ministry but it is really to reach the 500,000 achievable. We are tourists visiting per working on measures year, and Insha’ Allah to have all-year-round tourism and this would we shall reach that involve aggressive milestone.” marketing as well offering a range of FMJ: We always advise hotel owners to incentives to stakeholders. We are working really admire her attitude to work – she is a improve their product offering by renovating with hotels and tour operators to ensure professional, a true professional and I want rooms and facilities and adjusting service success in this area. her to keep it up. standards. Excellent Service Delivery is key in EM: Don’t you think it is too hard for her as a increasing our tourist numbers and receipts. EM: What are your aspirations for the future of woman to embark on a media work of this We will continue to work with Mangers of tourism in The Gambia? magnitude? Hotels to ensure they consistently exceed FMJ: My aspirations are to see tourism grow FMJ: I don’t think it should be too hard for her, the expectations of their guests. By extension to reach the 500,000 tourists visiting per year, because we should give her support. She is the Gambians in general should live by our and Insha’ Allah we shall reach that milestone. young and she is female and we should give Smiling Coast Principles at all times. Our her support. spontaneous Smile is one of our Unique EM: We may not able to put across all the selling propositions. questions we have for you regarding all the EM: Finally, how do you cope with your sections in your ministry or industry, but we professional life and responsibility vis-à-vis EM: Are you focusing only on tourists from may like to ask you to share with us what you your family commitments? European countries or you are working hard want holiday makers or tourists to know about FMJ: I believe in the principle of ‘Work Life to ensure the country attracts tourists from all The Gambia and why they should visit the Balance’. I thank Allah SWT for blessing over the world including Africa? Smiling Coast of Africa, as well as a message Women with multi-tasking capabilities. I try FMJ: It is a policy of the Ministry of Tourism to all and sundry regarding Gambian as much as possible to give equal Love and Culture to diversify our source market tourism? and Care to my work and family. If you are from the traditional Western European FMJ: The Gambia is the best destination determined and Love what you do, The Allah Countries, notably the UK, to countries in for holiday makers given our very friendly the Almighty, The All-Knowing Supreme Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. We also people, sandy beaches, year round sunshine Creator will always be by your side to lighten emphasize sub-regional tourism and are and splendid Flora & Fauna, especially the the burden….After all, being committed to succeeding in this regard by attracting visitors numerous bird species. Our meandering your work and family forms part of worshiping from countries in the sub-region notably the and all navigable majestic River Gambia the Allah SWT. sister republic of Nigeria. Elegance February 2012
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PRESIDENT JAMMEH ELECTION VICTORY 2011
The resounding victory of H.E. President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh in the just concluded 2011 Presidential Election has demonstrated once again that the people of The Gambia are pleased and happy with the leader that can best be described as ‘the man of the people’.
This involves women from all sectors of the society both in the government and outside of government. He has uplifted the status of women in the country; they now feel part and parcel of his government; therefore they have no choice but to join him in his development programme for this country. They can only appreciate what The November 24th Presidential Election this he has done for them. Now women are year is a testament to the fact that President in top positions in his government. And Jammeh is right in the hearts and minds of upcountry the Gambian women are enjoying Gambians, as he was voted into office for the developments he has taken to their the fourth time with 72%, a landslide victory doorsteps.” that surpasses those of previous elections. What a show of confidence! What does this tell of the dynamic and ebullient leader of the Smiling Coast of Africa? His campaign manager for the justconcluded Presidential Election, Lamin Kaba Bajo, Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources & National Assembly Matters, who spoke to Elegance Magazine on the recent election victory, said the landslide victory handed President Jammeh in the 2011 polls by the Gambian people is a show of complete appreciation for the many developments and economic growth the President has The President’s campaign manager says registered in The Gambia and the lives of the the developments, love and care the people. Gambian leader gives to the women get across all Gambians, especially the students “One, it is a show of the love the Gambian and youth. people have for him,” Hon. Kaba Bajo said. “The other thing also is that the people “The women are the mothers of the nation have got a good chunk of what they want, and you if you empower and develop their aspirations have been met. The the women, you empower and develop development taking place in the country; the continuous peace and stability, all come into play. In essence, that is what people are looking for or expecting from a leader. So that is why they have to endorse him.” Women have continued to play critical role in almost all of President Jammeh’s election victories, which sends a message that the President gives them a pride of place in his nation building efforts. “This is because Gambian women are so dear in the heart and mind of the President,” Hon. Kaba Bajo says. “Since the onset he has very good programme or agenda for them; that is women empowerment.
the youth and the nation,” Minister Bajo noted. “If the youth realise that women status is uplifted, which is very important, they will give their full support to the leader and government that is bringing that development. “We have also seen the education sector - how expanded it has become - and many other development projects concerning the youth. So the youth are also in support of the President and his government as a result of the development that has taken place over the years.”
Minister Bajo, whose campaign strategy was remarkable in the reelection of President Jammeh, says the secret of his success in mobilizing the people to vote for President Jammeh is not necessarily much of campaign, as the APRC – the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction – already has the grassroots support they need to mobilise the people. We applied not the top-down but the bottomup approach in meeting with and mobilising the people, who love the President and are ready to support and vote for him. It is just a matter of formality. And the women again
contributed significantly in our efforts.
They are always there and ready. They sometimes do not need to be mobilised; they do it on their own. They actually did a lot in mobilizing the people to rally behind the President in the just concluded election.”
gLIMPSE FROM THE ELECTION
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31 Elegance February 2012 118 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara The Gambia Tel: 7667707
The APRC campaign manager says his message to APRC party members and the general public is one of love, unity and hard work to support President Jammeh’s efforts in developing The Gambia? “First of all, we would like to thank the people for coming out in their numbers to vote massively for the President and the party. We would also like them to join the President and his government in working very hard for the continued growth and development of this country. “I am also calling on all of us to embrace each other and forget about politics and work together for the betterment of this country because we all live here; whether you are APRC or not, we are all brothers and sisters. We have had the election in a very peaceful manner, and so let’s continue in that manner; let’s go back to our offices, our farms, our shops to continue our work and contribute to the country’s economic development and nation-building; let’s cooperate, unite and work for the development of this country.”
Hon. Bajo also calls on Elegance Magazine team to continue its service to the nation, saying: “It is good
to have a magazine like this; its publications are good and it is doing well in serving the people and the society, especially the women.”
Elegance magazine is taking this opportunity to congrats his Excellency and the first family. Elegance February 2012
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Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
A
sk any Gambia the most luxurious hotel in The Gambia and this is the answer you will get “Coco Ocean.” Set in a lush tropical garden the hotel boost of white wash buildings with open-plan suites and villas which are light and airy. Stepping through the doors of the hotel a gentle breeze from the Ocean welcomes you. Coco Ocean is known for hosting celebrities like Jermaine Jackson and holiday makers’ dignitaries and businessmen. Each of their guests receives a complimentary foot massage within the Coco Ocean’s 1800m2 spa facilities. This features a Thalasso pool, ice plunge pool, Hammam, Finnish sauna, small gym and relaxation area. The full range of treatments includes massages, body wraps, facials, waxing and manicures. There is also a boutique selling hair and beauty products, as well as a juice bar. The hotel also boosts of private beach Cabanas and renowned restaurants with authentic Moroccan, Thai, Japanese and International Cuisine. The Coco Ocean occupies an enviable position on a wide stretch of beaches, next to Bijilo Forest Park Nature Reserve, famous for its greens and red monkeys. Although there is little activity directly outside the hotel to spoil the peace and tranquility, a 20-minute walk along the sandy beaches or a short taxi ride will bring you to the resort of Kololi with its wide selection of bars and restaurants. Coco Ocean’s location combined with the luxurious facilities and personal touches evident throughout will assure its position as one of the best hotels in The Gambia. Elegance February 2012
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Coco Ocean Resort and Spa 1 Bamboo Drive35| Kombo Coastal Road,2012 Bijilo, Gambia Elegance February
Elegance Launch at the Coco Ocean Resort and Spa in Bijilo May 21st 20111
E
legance, the newest top-rated high quality magazine in The Gambia’s growing publishing industry, received a befitting launch at the high-acclaimed five-star Coco Ocean Resort and Spa in Bijilo on May 21st. It was the social event of the year, fully glamorized by the presence of veritable ‘who’s who’ of Senegambian society. More than 1000 guests attended the launch. Birth of Elegance Founded by young female Gambian entrepreneur Chilel Sarr, the publication brings to national scene, unsurpassed level of quality – in design and content – never seen in the country before. It is a beacon and a source of inspiration for empowering Gambian women. Elegance’s launch on home soil holds true to its conception as a homegrown platform. “The magazine aims to highlight The Gambia’s crucial values and culture with a view to boosting the tourism sector and the overall socio-economic development of the country,” said CEO Chilel Sarr, elegantly dressed in a dazzling silky strapless skyblue gown that mesmerises her guests. “The magazine was inspired by my desire and encouragement from the vast majority of Gambians who approved its concept. I conducted a survey on Facebook and the outcome was overwhelming.” She assured esteemed readers of Elegance of an open door policy for ideas and constructive criticisms. Tourism and Culture minister Fatou Mas Jobe, whose speech was read by Binta Jobe, then director general of Gambia Tourism Authority, shares her ministry’s vision of highlighting Gambian culture, attractions and hospitality. “This publication also complements the efforts of the ministry in destination marketing and creating awareness of the country at the global level. We share the Elegance February 2012
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views of the publisher of the Elegance Magazine that The Gambia has all it takes to make a difference in global tourism; to promote the beautiful things we have as a tourist destination. These include positive attractions, award winning entrepreneurs, cultural ambassadors, iconic fashion designers and culinary delights.” In concluding, the minister pledged her full support for Elegance Magazine in creating an ideal environment for it to blossom and become a household name in The Gambia and abroad. Review In her review of the publication, former journalist and social commentator, Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, described the launch as another milestone in the realisation of the shared vision of women empowerment in The Gambia. “The magazine has the potential to promote Gambian culture to the wider world, thus, attracting investors, tourists and other goodwill visitors. This medium offers the unique opportunity to highlight the good news breaking out daily from our country, in terms of improvements in health, agriculture, educational opportunities and culture, among other numerous strides being made by Gambians.” “Chilel’s efforts are timely and relevant in combating lopsided media coverage [in some quarters]. A developing country like The Gambia needs all the international goodwill and friendship it can gather in order to realise her developmental aspirations,” said former House speaker, while offering ideas that could make a dent in the quest. “One way that a medium like yours can be seen to be contributing to national development, is for it to expose hidden talents and celebrate good hardworking Gambians to the rest of the world. The Gambia has many talented experts,
including writers, entrepreneurs and fashion designers.” FJC, as fondly called, admonished the publisher to capture the length and breadth of the country. “Do not make the mistake of seeing The Gambia as Banjul and its environs only. Our media is yet to give full coverage to all the nooks and the crannies of the country. This is a challenge I entrust you.” Other speakers at the event were included Aziz Sarr who spoke on behalf of the Sarr family, and Mariam Nyass of Senegal Airlines. Thank you! The CEO took rounds to thank profusely all and sundry for the success of the magazine. Chilel glorified Allah for making the epic night launch a success before drifting to thank various personalities for their support. “Special thanks to the chief guests of honour Mrs. Samirah Kebbeh and Mrs. Katty Joh Samba. Sincerely appreciation to Binta Jobe, American Ambassador Pamela Ann White, Fatou JahumbaCessay, Ndey Awa Khan, Ibou Ndour, Titi and Baby Rose for the enormous support. Thank you to the fashion designers Chan Khan, Ida Saine and Yayi. I appreciate with gratitude support from Qcell, Comium, GCAA, Gamtel, Gambega, Gamwater, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Trust Bank, AGIB Bank, Coco Ocean, Air Senegal, Seaview Garden Hotel and my family, friends and all readers and well wishers of Elegance magazine.”
The magazine has the potential to promote Gambian culture to the wider world...
The Speeches
KEBS AND AZIZ WILLAN Aziz Sarr speaking on behalf of the Sarr family
CEO, Elegance delivering the opening remarks
Binta Jobe, former Director of GTA launched the Magazine Sandiga Njie led the opening prayer
FATOU JAHUMPA REVIEWED THE MAGAZINE
Aziz Willan welcoming the CEO
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The Dinner
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The show with Titi
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The VIP entrance
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Pictures with the Magazine
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Book Launching
& July 4th reunion 2011
AGERA hosts l‘Kairaba launch The Gambian community in Atlanta, under the aegis of the Atlanta Gambia Emergency Relief Association (AGERA) has yet again celebrated July 4th Reunion 2011 with another spectacle that bore profound resonance to nationhood.
Atlanta friends Abu, Fafa & Their
Atlanta Georgia is a city with a large concentration of Gambians and is the seat of the annual July 4th reunion. This has become a major calendar event for Gambians all over the USA, Europe and back in The Gambia. It is an occasion for not just party but to celebrate the Gambian dream and cultural heritage. The event attracts close to 10,000 Gambians. In attendance this year were The Gambia’s Independence leader and former President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara and former First Lady Chilel Jawara, amongst a number of dignitaries. AGERA’S chairman Musa Jeng called the night a “dignified and deserving tribute” to the founder of “our nationhood”. Mr Jeng said it was “indeed” an honor for AGERA to host Sir Dawda this year “t was a rare opportunity and it is importance for our children.”
AGERA Group
The event continued the next day with the usual soccer tournament and later that evening, the Grand Gala Night. Gambians and friends of The Gambia all over the world joined AGERA to celebrate the event.
Oumou
Fanneh &
Sisters
Mamie Jane & Friends
g sts at the launchin Sir Dawda with Gue
Na Ceesay
Adam Sarr
43 Elegance February 2012
ends Joof & Fri p a P , g n Presi Je
Sir Dawda, Lady Chilel &
Lamin Cham
The Red Carpet Entry
Mr. Jeng
them of the Republic Standing for the National An of the Gambia
Sir Dawda Kairaba Jaw
ara
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DoDou Nyang (Trust Bank Ltd)
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Tuth Njie & Gambian Elder
Yam Hydara and Ladies
Nancy Friend Nanz, Mamtut Jeng
&
The awarding
ceremony
Abdul Aziz Willan And Mareme Nyass Abu Receiving a certificate for Pa Gore Mbaye
Doudo Nyang Receiving for TBL Amie Cisse Received on Behalf of Qcell from CEO
Staff receiving for Coco Ocean Katty Joh receiving on behalf of FJC
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Sylva receiving on behalf of Media matic
Titi handing the Sirra’s certificate to Sarata
Suna Ngum receiving her air ticket from Mareme Nyass
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Sophie Riley receiving a certificate for Mam FAtou Njie
Marem Nyass Handing the an air ticket to raffle winner
The comedy show
Abu & Fafa
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MUSA’S CORNER
JOKES I taught it was
“Sounds romantic,” her friend replies.
One man was urinating in front of the school building; soon
“No he just hadn’t paid the electricity bill.”
after he finished, the head of the school call him and said, why you urine there don’t you see what we wrote there
GSM Wahala
“DON’T URINATE THERE” the man said, oh! I taught it
A woman asked her little son to call her dad while she takes
was the name of the school.
her bath. So when she came out of the bathroom, she asked her son what the father said and the boy replied that it was a
A girl looking for job
woman that spoke. The woman started boiling and waiting
Madam: who are you?
for her husband to come back and see hell.
Girl: sorry ma am looking for job
When her husband came back, she gave him 7 hot slaps
Madam: okay I will let you be my house maid
before saying anything. In pain, the husband screamed “what
Girl: thank you ma
have I done!” and she narrated the story to him and asked
Madam: u go dey help me take care of my son because I
who the woman that picked up the phone was. The man was
always party this is fridge anything hot put it inside it will
confused and said that there no woman anywhere. She called
cold and this is your room.
the son and asked him to tell his father who picked the phone and the little boy said “ daddy it is true, when I called your
2 days later
phone a woman picked it and said, “SORRY, THE NUMBER
Girl: hehehehe! Junior, what is wrong with you ur body dey
YOU ARE CALLING IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE
hot and madam said anything hot make I put am for fridge
MOMENT.” The woman was so dumbfounded.
She put Junior inside fridge Madam: Adama where is my son Girl: Madam is coming he is collecting injection inside fridge
Prostitute’s funeral At d funeral of a famous prostitute, a man in d crowd says
Worried Old Man
“at last d 2 r finally together,” someone asked “who?” d man
An old man looks down at his withered penis and says
replied “her legs”
wistfully: “we were born together, had adventures, enjoyed marriage and even played together. So why did you have to die before me?”
Electricity bill A woman was chatting with her friend. “Last night my husband got us takeaway,” she says He poured us some wine and place candles everywhere.”
Because u married my mother A boy woke up one morning requesting his father Father, I want to marry your mother, Father: stupid, why do you say that Son: because you married my mother. 49 Elegance February 2012
The
fashion show Ida’s Ideas
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Seirra’s Design
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YAYI Design Elegance February 2012
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London CULTURAL WEEK 2011
THE SUNDAYPARK
The Gambian-SeneGambian annual cultural week, organised by Yaram Arts, is in it’s second year. It is a 3-Day event, starting on a Friday with the usual Cultural Night cum Tanabir, and a showcase of latest African Fashion clothes designed by Top Gambians :Chan Khan, Ida Saine and so on.The night is so colourful with women dressed in Uniform ‘ASOBI’ and taken through different ‘Sabar rhythms like Chebu Jen, Laembal, Niarry Galan, Youza, etc etc by Group Medoune Ndiaye..The Saturday event kicks off with an afternoon football turney, followed by an all night Soiree by the hottest Mbalax artist from SeneGambia. This year’s performance was by Salam Diallo supported by musicians like Kalou D, Baye Demba Ndir Faye etc. Pape Thiopet missed the event but came the following weekend and performed an impromptu at Ida’s backyard in Canning Town. The event was jammed packed and ladies were dressed in the latest and most expensive Oxford Street designer outfits... The Sunday park event has now evolved into a proper festival in the UK Cultural Scene. It is well covered by local & national papers and radios and is attended by about 2000 people, young and old. It put the cultures of West Africa on display, particularly Wollof, Manding and Krio via the masquerade symbols of Zimba, kankuran and Huntin. Njok Malik, a Yaram rep, says, they are happy with how things have progressed so rapidly, knowing that we are only in our second year. He urged Africans particularly SeneGambians to support the Festival for it has the potential to grow into something future generations of African descendents will be proud of. We can build a legacy for posterity. He thanks all the different committee organisers particularly the Women in Emma Jatta, Marie Njie, Aja Sai khan, Haddy Saho, Ida Faal. GUS Ida, Ida Canning Town, Awa Sow Djollof, Join Hands and Chief Guest of honour Mariama Koita. We would rather not single out the men contributors but thanks to the whole Yaram Team and supporters, especially the ELDERS that turned up and our Sponsors Western Union Gambia and Stuart karatas Solicitors UK. We hope to see you all next year by God’s grace.
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THE TANABIRR
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THE SOIRE
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Kanku Sissoho Famed merchant of Kanks Classics of Gambian fashion. One such woman with the business acumen and a mastery of the demands of the market is Isatou Sissoho, famed by his sobriquet Kanku. In this edition of the Elegance fashion exclusive, gracious Kanku flashes back on her long journey to the pinnacle of Gambian fashion. “I have always loved business and love running Kanks Classics. I have travelled a lot on business [trips] mainly in Europe, but also to the USA. From small beginnings Beyond the simple façade of fashion, in the early 1990s, I started importing is a complex industry with a fixated and retailing high quality European appetite for a deluge of fresh ideas and fashion wears for ladies in The Gambia. creativities. In market patronized by The business has grown to a large, fickle customers with varying tastes, clean, airy retail shop close to Paul one is compelled to develop a sharp Marouns Supermarket in Kololi. business sense that must be powered to evolve alongside fashion trends. Having realised that many Gambians travel to Europe for shopping, Kanku The Gambia, although a small market decided to open her fashion to supply in bustling fashion world, is witnessing them with shop all their shopping a new dawn in its fashion evolution. needs on home soil. “Gambian and Women are increasingly the drivers Elegance February 2012
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non-Gambian clientele appreciate the personal touch, the quality and excellent customer service [they receive from us]. “I spend time, money and energy sourcing clothes, handbags and shoes with a range of matching accessories across UK and Europe [generally]. My focus is getting the best products at competitive prices to allow me to give the customers in The Gambia exactly what they want. I also sell Gambian and Senegalese clothes in Europe.” An array of reputable brands constitutes her fashion collections. They include the Gap, Ralph Lauren, Next, Laura Ashley, Wallis, River Island, Karen Millen, Dune, Oasis, Warehouse and a whole lot more. “I have contacts across Europe and can often secure a special delivery of a one off special dress, shoes, accessories or bags in less than a week. I have a team of contacts in Europe that I use for the supply [of outfits for] wedding, naming ceremony and special events with a full range of clothing and accessories,” she told Elegance. “It may interest you to know that my recent project included clothing a bride, four bridesmaids, four flower girls, four groom’s men and the mother of the bride. Not only that but arranging printing of invitations and purchasing flowers and wedding accessories, all delivered right and on time to a radiant bride and her groom. “The bride later said to me: ‘I am amazed that you managed to buy all this for our perfect day and get
it to The Gambia so quickly, we are so impressed with the quality of everything from the silk dress to the bridesmaid Karen Millen dresses to the matching men’s suits’. I think I have one of the best shops and the
is a constant advertisement for Kanks Classics. These traits distinguish the ebullient woman in The Gambia’s growing fashion industry.
Kanku believed that a vision is an important opening for a profitable business venture and relished some of her two decade experiences in fashion business. “Having worked in fashion stores in Europe, I asked: why can’t we have similar stores in The Gambia. So we always aspire to maintain best range of clothes for my target clean shops, have the latest fashion, customers; people who appreciate great service and a lovely atmosphere. quality. You will have to ask my Hard work and focus is important; you customers if I have achieved this have to be willing to do what many (laughs loud).” people wouldn’t do. Also don’t be Unlike many, Kanku has refused to put off; people will say that that won’t settle for less in developing herself work but if you believe otherwise, you academically. Not even her expanding can do it. Also don’t be afraid to ask fashion trade could suppress her for help, I have wonderful friends and desire for education. “I was born in family who I can ask to support me and The Gambia to a loving family and some good business people I can get grew up in Serrekunda, where I went advice from. to school before leaving for London [England] to continue my education “Start small, work hard, reinvest the at Lewisham College. I also worked profits, keep focused and grow the to support myself and my family here business. Always deliver excellent in The Gambia. I have just completed service and quality. People always Advanced English Diploma program come back if they like the service. Your from Preston College in the UK. I service quality must be first class.” always look into ways to develop myself.” According to her, Gambian business women work hard to be successful A testimony of her business sense and often do so whilst looking after a and service quality was affirmed by a family, children and a home. But she customer, who opined: “It is enjoyable strong buys in partnership and working shopping from you because what you together in unison. “Sometimes it is wear is what you sell”. Kanku does not difficult to take opportunities, and I only sell, but also dresses in latest high think that if Gambian women work quality outfits. together for their mutual benefit we can together overcome any adversities. “I buy quality, I wear quality and I Gambian women are strong and sell quality as it may cost a few Dalasi together we are unbeatably stronger.” more to start with, but it lasts, looks good and stands out in the crowd. I Besides her eventful career, Kanku would not sell quality that I would not values family and friendships and be willing to wear; I like to think that enjoys spending time with them. “I my style and the style of my customers also work very hard whether in The
Start small, work hard, reinvest the profits, keep focused and grow the business. Always deliver excellent service and quality.
Gambia running the shop, training the staff and helping customers or in Europe when I have buying commitments to meet. Therefore I enjoy relaxing with a book, a copy of Elegance magazine or watching a movie or listening to music; I love Gambian, Senegalese and world music. She also had a word for the Elegance. “This magazine is essential reading for all Gambian people who want to stay in touch with what is happening across The Gambia, the continent and the world. The articles, features and advertisements in Elegance magazine exactly match my life style and it is a publication I read from cover to cover, I then keep the copy to refer to again and again (laughs).”
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AGONY AUNT
Life can seem complicated sometimes, Do you have an issue that you cannot cope with?, Need advise on friends and family, Trouble at work, anything at all, then write to Agony aunt . Don’t let it get out of control, don’t keep it bottled up. Get it off your chest. Fatu will give you non-judgmental but honest advice on how we think you should handle your problem,. We do not need to know who you are, if you choose to remain Anonymous, so be it. So write to us:
Dear 39year old man,
Ms Fatou, I am a 39 year old man, married with one child. Last month I travelled to another state to visit family and I met a really nice 28 year girl. We hit it off and she is really nice. We are still in touch even though I am back home with my wife who I love very much, she is a good person . but I am confused. My wife and have a 2 daughters . I feel a bit guilty.This other woman calls me all the time and I enjoy talking to her. Recently she has started telling me that she is ready for marriage. What should I do?
religion, and you are hurting these women .You need to choose right Seriously? Ask your self this my now. divorce your wife and marry Brother if your wife had gone out of the other woman, or put a stop to the town to visit family and met a man affair and be faithful to your wife and hit it off with him.. how would I will keep my opinions about you feel? polygamy to myself, as it is part of You said it yourself.. you love your a religion I believe in, However, wife.. this makes me wonder how what is wrong with just being with much you love her though .if you one woman, who makes you happy? could actually open the door to There will always be beautiful, another woman the moment you were younger women, so what? It is also away from your wife. Do you love beautiful to grow old with someone. this new woman? Why complicate matters, for yourself Let me tell you about some men. , financially and emotionally. Sometimes after the monotony of And then you plant seeds of hatred being married to one person for years, amongst women? They fight, it becomes flattering g that other spends thousands of their money women find you desirable. Some men on Marabouts, just to get rid of who are loyal, laugh it off and just each other, they put all sorts of enjoy the boost in their ego. This is concoctions in your food, just so you okay. Other men act on it, and make can love them more.. umm I don’t excuses on why they did it. And the know if these portions work, but I do lowest of those excuses is using the know that whatever those “seringues” acceptance of polygamy in religion to are mixing up cannot be healthy, And justify cheating on their wives. the worst thing is you may be getting Well FYI., Islam condemns adultery. these things from all the women you Conveniently, some people believe are married to or dating. this only when it comes to women However, you would not ask for my having affairs, but realistically, it is advice if you really were not in a the same for both genders. dilemma. But it’s one you created for yourself. You feel guilty. And People need to learn to be content now that she is hinting marriage, you with what they have. You continuing know you are about to hurt at least in this relationship is wrong. It is one woman, if not two sneaky. And even if you are just My brother, I believe in trust, loyalty talking to this woman, as long as your , faithfulness and the sacredness of wife does not know about it it is still marriage. Do you Remember the cheating. days, you were courting your present Here is my crazy suggestion. If you wife?, how much did she mean to are Muslim and If you feel like you you then?. Being cheated on by your are getting serious with this new husband or wife and finding out is woman, then tell your wife how you not fun. Trust me on this one. It can feel, tell her that you are pursuing a cause a lifetime scar. So please do the relationship with another woman and right thing! You seem like a decent may take a second wife as your right human being who does not want to per Islam. I do not know how that hurt your wife or this other woman., will go. But it is better than sneaking In reality though, one of them will get around talking to this woman in a hurt anyway. romantic way. And If you are not muslim, then my I hope it works out for you, My brother you are doing wrong, as you Brother. cannot marry two women at the same time, and by continuing this affair, Hugs Fatou you are sinning , no matter what your 59 Elegance February 2012
Chat with
Alieu Sallah NEA registrar for Chemicals and Pesticides
in the sense that it is bringing to the public domain something we never had or experienced before. The proprietor knows the needs of people, especially the young generation of Gambians who live abroad and are coming home to start careers here.
Alieu Sallah is an active young Gambian who returned from the United States with an MS degree to answer the call to national service. An ardent patriot and proud Gambian, Alieu now works at the National Environment Agency (NEA) as the acting registrar of Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides. He is a familiar voice for the protection and preservation of The Gambia’s environment, ecosystem and biodiversity. Elegance had a sitdown chat with this resilient young mind, full of zest and enthusiasm.
EM: NEA has initiated and steadfastly embraced many environment protection initiatives. What has been the impact of the Operation Clean the Nation socioeconomic livelihood of Gambians? Alieu: When you look at the National Environment Agency, with all the effort being made, I think there has been a lot of progress. The Operation Clean the Nation has helped a lot as far as waste management and cleansing is concerned, especially during the rainy season when all our gutters and sewage systems are blocked out by solid waste. We also Elegance February 2012
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have a coastal cleanup exercise which is carried out by the agency. We monitor all pesticides and hazardous chemicals that are coming into the country as a means of quality control. EM: Unlike many of your contemporaries, you shun the myriad of opportunities that the West offers to graduates. What inspired your home return? Alieu: As a young Gambian, I decided to come home to contribute to my country’s development. It doesn’t matter how long you stay abroad at the end of the day. This is a country you can really call home because our heritage begins here. I believe all young Gambians out there should come home so that we can together build this nation into something that we all will be proud of in the end. EM: The Elegance has recently slid from the shadow, culminating to its launch a few months ago. How has this new platform resonated with you? Alieu: It is really an interesting [magazine] because it is a very bold innovation
EM: Realistically, as a patron, what do you think Elegance has accomplished? Alieu: I think Elegance mag is important and is making a great difference because during the time I was coming back to The Gambia from the US, there wasn’t such a magazine like Elegance in the Gambia and I couldn’t have a view of what was available in the country and the opportunities therein. But now Elegance has taken this key step and is raising awareness and passing out information to young Gambians abroad. I think it is very motivating and is very good for the country at large and is also good for the young Gambians who are really interested in knowing what is in the country but don’t have the access. I think Elegance is bringing The Gambia closer to the people and the people closer to The Gambia. EM: How could we support your cause? The magazine allows us to really show what we are doing and how we are trying to reach out to the public. As the acting registrar of Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in The Gambia, there are so many messages that we would like to sensitize the people about. We have the monthly National exercise called setsetal. One of the things that Elegance is doing is putting the message across and letting people know why people are doing certain things particularly the National Environment Agency in protecting the lives of the people and bio-diversity. We thank Elegance very much for this wonderful initiative. You are a good partner in the development of this country.
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Elegance exclusive pictures
Once Upon A Time In Sahel “Once Upon A Time In Sahel“ addresses the escalating issue of human trafficking and migration of Africans to Southern Europe via the Sahara desert and the high seas of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. SAUL DIOUF, the main character, a fisherman from the village of Joal (Sahel) takes on a perilous journey in order to find his twin sister‘s husband, AARON THIAM, who left for Europe in search of work, more than a year ago and has not been heard of ever since. Following the same route that AARON took, SAUL is on his way to Hotel Sahara, transit point in the desert for human traffickers, drug mules, smugglers and travellers. He faces danger and conquers life-threatening
tribulations. Desperate to find out about the whereabouts of his brother-in-law he finally makes a momentous decision to join the next boat to Europe. The film is Produce by Daniel Martin, Ishmail Sarr. Co produce by Cristiano Van Zeller. Director Ishmail Sarr. Ch Asst Director Amadou Sillah.Production manager Abubacarr Conteh. Production company is Penrock film Dublin Ireland. Shoot in the Republic of Senegal. D.O.P is Javier Martin Gomes. Lead male Roger Sambou ( Saul Joof), Modou Musa( Alfonso), Lead female,Ida Badgie( Aida Joof). Duration of film is 1hr 45mins. Rating. 16 yrs
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Mistakes Parents Make With Teens and Tweens Here are the top mistakes parents make with their teens and tweens, and how to avoid them. Things aren’t the way they used to be. Your 12-year-old no longer comes to you first when she feels hurt or disappointed. When your son misses curfew -- again -- the time-out corner that used to work wonders is now simply, lame. As your child grows into adolescence, you need to adapt your tried-and-true parenting skills to a rapidly changing world. As tempting as it might seem, don’t throw away everything you know about your child -- or yourself as a parent. Your teenager may seem like a stranger in your home, but behind the slammed doors and mood swings, she is still your child. You will face many unknowns in the years ahead. What you can expect is that your limits will be tested and your patience will, at times, wear thin. Here are the top mistakes parents make with their teens and tweens, and how to avoid them.
Teen Parenting Mistake # 1: Expect the Worst
Teenagers get a bad rap, says Richard Lerner, PhD, director of the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University. Many parents approach raising teenagers as an ordeal, believing they can only watch helplessly as their lovable children transform into unpredictable monsters. Expecting the worst sets parents and teens up for several unhappy, unsatisfying years together. “The message we give teenagers is that they’re only ‘good’ if they’re not doing ‘bad’ things, such as doing drugs, hanging around with the wrong crowd, or having sex,” Lerner tells WebMD. Raising teenagers with negative expectations can actually promote the behavior you fear most. According to a recent study conducted at Wake Forest University, teens whose parents expected them to get involved in risky behaviors reported higher levels of these behaviors one year later. Lerner urges parents to focus on their teenagers’ interests and hobbies, even if you don’t understand them. Elegance February 2012
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You could open a new path of communication, reconnect with the child you love, and learn something new.
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and then put them down. Spend the extra time talking with your spouse and children, getting clear about what matters most to you and your family.
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Teen Parenting Teen Parenting Mistake #3: Sweat Mistake #2: the Small Stuff Read Too Many Parenting Books Maybe you don’t like your daughter’s haircut or choice of clothes. Or Rather than trusting their instincts, perhaps she didn’t get the part in the many parents turn to outside experts play you know she deserves. Before for advice on how to raise teens. you intervene, look at the big picture. “Parents can tie themselves into If a certain mode of self-expression or knots trying to follow the advice they set of events does not put your child at read in books,” says Robert Evans, risk, give her the leeway to make ageEdD, executive director of the Human appropriate decisions and live with the Relations Service, Wellesley, Mass., results. and author of Family Matters: How “A lot of parents don’t want growing up Schools Can Cope with the Crisis in to involve any pain, disappointment, Child Rearing. or failure,” Evans says. But protecting “Books become a problem when your child from the realities of life robs parents use them to replace their own her of the opportunity to take chances innate skills,” Evans tells WebMD. and learn from her mistakes while “If the recommendations and their she’s still under your roof. Step back personal style don’t fit, parents wind up and let your child know you’re there more anxious and less confident with when she needs you. their own children.” Use books (and articles like this) to get perspective on confusing behavior
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Teen Parenting Mistake # 4: Ignore the Big Stuff
amounts, as well as rapid heartbeat, unconsciousness, stomach pain, and vomiting. Watch for unexplained changes in If you suspect your child is using your teen’s behavior, appearance, alcohol or drugs, do not look the academic performance, and friends. other way. Parents should address If you find empty cough medicine suspected drug or alcohol use right packaging in your child’s trash or away, before it escalates into a bigger backpack, if bottles of medicine go problem, says Amelia M. Arria, PhD, missing from your cabinet, or if you director of the Center on Young find unfamiliar pills, pipes, rolling Adult Health and Development at the papers, or matches, your child could University of Maryland School of Public be abusing drugs. Take these signs Health. seriously and get involved. Safeguard “The years when kids are between 13 all the medicines you have: Know and 18 years old are an essential time which products are in your home for parents to stay involved,” Arria tells and how much medication is in each WebMD. Parents might consider teen package or bottle. drinking a rite of passage because they drank when they were that age. Mistake #5: Rule “But the stakes are higher now,” she With an Iron Fist, says. or Kid Gloves More drugs are available today, illegal drugs and legal medications. For Some parents, sensing a loss of example, cough remedies with DXM control over their teens’ behavior, (dextromethorphan) have become a crack down every time their child steps new drug of choice for some teens. out of line. Every day brings a new DXM is easy to get and teens and punishment. The home becomes a parents alike underrate its potential war zone. By contrast, other parents dangers. Studies show that between avoid all conflict for fear their teens 7% and 10% of U.S. teens have will push them away. They put being reported abusing cough medicine a cool parent ahead of setting limits to get high. Although safe when and enforcing rules. For these parents, used as directed, DXM can cause discipline is a dirty word. hallucinations and disassociations The first style of parenting focuses on similar to PCP or ketamine (Special obedience above all else. Although the K) when used in excessive house may run like a tight ship, teens
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raised in rigid environments don’t have the opportunity to develop problemsolving or leadership skills. Yet too little discipline does a disservice to teens as well. Teenagers need clear structure and rules to live by as they start to explore the world outside. It is up to parents to establish their household’s core values and communicate these to their children through words and consistent actions. Lerner calls this being an authoritative parent, an approach that “helps children develop the skills they need to govern themselves in appropriate ways.” Your Child Is Your Child, Through Thick and Thin Raising teenagers isn’t always easy or smooth, especially when testing parents’ authority is part of growing up. Some days, faced with one teenage eye roll too many, you may wonder if it’s even worth trying. Keep in mind that your influence runs deeper than you think. Most teens say they want to spend more time with their parents. And teens choose friends that have their parents’ core values. Keep making time for your child throughout the tween and teen years. Even when it doesn’t show, you provide the solid ground they know they can always come home to. By Joanne Barker WebMD Feature
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New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with Viviene
It was all pomp and pageantry at the Djiliba Hotel on New Year’s Eve, where ladies and gentlemen of colour rocked and rolled together as the final hour of 2011 gave way to the wake of a fresh year 2012. The young, the beautiful and the pretty were all cozying under the canopy of Djiliba Hotel behind Duplex Night Club. But guess who was calling the tune – the all-star artiste Viviene N’Dure, who came all the way from Senegal to take charge of the beautiful night of fresh dreams and thoughts, facilitated by Cristal Promotions. It was all witnessed by Elegance magazine, whose managing editor Lady Chilel also had her birthday celebrated that night at the popular Djiliba to grease the occasion. Drinks, food and various tastes of beverages were a routine service, which permeated the whole set-up with a fresh ambiance.
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FOOD & DRINKS SELECTION Meatball Stew INGREDIENTS FOR MEATBALLS 1 pound ground beef 4 cloves of crushed garlic 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese 2 eggs Freshly chopped parsley Salt & pepper to taste INGREDIENTS FOR SAUCE 1/2 an Onion chopped 2 cloves of crushed garlic 1 Can tomato sauce 1 package of frozen mixed vegetables 1 thinly diced habanero chilli DIRECTIONS 1) Mix all meatball ingredients together in a bowl 2) Form into balls and gently fry in a heated saucepan with oil 3) Remove meatballs from pan and saute onions and garlic 4) Add tomato sauce, 1 cup water to saucepan and bring to boil 5) Add meatballs, mixed veggies,diced habanero and season to taste Serve over steamed rice
Breakfast oatmeal INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup Oatmeal (Oats) 1 cup milk or water Pinch of salt 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon brown sugar Cinnamon (Optional) Crushed pecans or almonds Raisins DIRECTIONS
1) Bring water ( or milk) to boil in a saucepan 2) Add oats and a pinch of salt 3) Stir until the desired consistency is reached or check package directions for help 4) Serve in bowl with sugar & butter 5) Sprinkle nuts and raisins Elegance February 2012
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Dessert (Crepe) INGREDIENTS 2 eggs 1 cup flour 2 1/2 cups of milk Dash of salt 2 teaspoons butter DIRECTIONS 1) Put all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together 2) Pour about a quarter cup of mixture on a buttered frying pan at medium heat 3) Flip crepe once it sets and brown the other side Serve with strawberries, chocolate or your choice of topping
Pina Colada INGREDIENTS FOR MEATBALLS 5 oz pineapple juice 2 oz cream of coconut or coconut milk 1 cup of ice 1 oz half and half milk (Optional) 2 tablespoons sugar DIRECTIONS 1) Put all ingredients in a blender. 2) Blend until ice is crushed and mixture is smooth. 3) Serve and enjoy
Iced Coffee INGREDIENTS FOR MEATBALLS 1 tablespoon coffee 1 cup water 1/2 cup Ice cubes 1 cup milk (half and half milk preferably) 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar DIRECTIONS 1) Warm 1 cup of water and pour in a glass. Make sure the water is not too hot 2) Add coffee and sugar. Stir until particles dissolve 3) Allow to cool for a few minutes 4) Add milk and stir, then add the ice cubes 5) Finish off with whipped cream if desired 69 Elegance February 2012
celebrity news
Oprah Reveals Her Biggest Regret
5 ye a rs T h e o n e m o m e nht einr c2rin g e . th a t st ill m a ke s
Nicki Minaj: I Once Contemplated Suicide
To housewives across the country, Oprah Winfrey can do no wrong, but the talk show icon admits to at least one major regret. The retired queen of daytime shares what she feels is her biggest misstep in her 25-year run on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Remember the infamous “wagon of fat,” which Oprah wheeled out on stage in 1988 to demonstrate her 67 lb. weight loss? Oprah does, and it makes her cringe. “When I look at that show, I think it was one of the biggest ego trips of my life,” Oprah explains. “When I look back at that, I think ‘mistake’ in many ways.” Reflecting on what she could have done differently, Oprah says she would’ve told herself “’Don’t do it!’ It’s a great TV moment, but don’t do it.”
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Nicki Minaj is arguably the biggest female in hip-hop, but the 28-year-old admits that just a few years ago, she felt completely worthless. “I kept having doors slammed in my face,” Minaj tells the November issue of Cosmopolitan. “I felt like nothing was working. I had moved out on my own, and here I was thinking I’d have to go home.” Things got so bleak that Minaj contemplated suicide. “It was just one dead end after another. At one point, I was, like, ‘What would happen if I just didn’t wake up?’ That’s how I felt. Like, ‘Maybe I should just take my life?’” With her dark days now behind her, Minaj (real name: Onika Tanya Maraj) predicts her star will only become brighter with time. “I will have put out five albums and will have an Oscar and Grammys,” she says. “And I will be getting married and, a couple of years after that, will have a bun in the oven. My whole life is about being Nicki Minaj now. It’s a neverending saga.”
celebrity news
Kelly Rowland
I Don’t Regret My Boob Job!
Kelly Rowland was tired of having “little nuggets for boobs,” so the 30-year-old singer did something about it: she got breast implants in October 2007. Four years later, the “Motivation” singer says she has no regrets about enhancing her cup size. “The decision was 10 years in the making, so I’m comfortable talking about it,” Rowland tells Cosmopolitan UK’s November issue. “It’s something I really wanted to do for myself -- not for a man, not for work, for myself. And I love them!” That’s not the only thing Rowland wanted to get off her chest during the revealing Cosmopolitan UK interview:
Happy Anniversary: Barack and Michelle Obama Pucker Up
After almost 20 years of marriage, Barack and Michelle Obama are still going strong. What’s their secret to a successful White House romance? Apparently, all it takes to achieve wedded bliss are some good laughs. “I think in our house, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage,” Michelle Obama offered on Valentine’s Day 2011. As the Obamas chuckle their
she also decided to open up about being abandoned by her father, Christopher Lovett, when she was just a child. “I haven’t seen my dad for almost 20 years. It’s nothing I want a pity party for. He left me and my mom, and I was angry,” she says. “I wanted to be a daddy’s girl so bad. God damn The Cosby Show because that made me think, ‘Why isn’t my family like that?’ But this is not a perfect world.” Lovett tried to contact his estranged daughter through a tabloid in June, and Rowland plans to slowly let him back into her life. “He reached out to me saying he wanted to see me, but it’s unfortunate he did it so publicly,” she admits. “I want to meet him, and soon, I really do. I forgave him a long time ago.”
R.I.P. Whitney Houston Whitney Houston, one of the biggest pop stars of the ’80s and ’90s, has died on February 11, 2012 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. She was 48, which is just impossibly sad. During her career, Whitney has sold over 170 million albums and has received 415 Awards including 2 Emmys, 6 Grammys, 22 AMAs, and 30 Billboards. She recently filmed her latest movie role, Sparkle. We will Miss you Whitney.
way toward their 19th wedding anniversary on Oct. 3, we round up the romantic first couple’s best kisses of all time. The “You Smell Nice” Kiss President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama steal a private moment in the Map Room of the White House. We can’t quite decide if Barack is leaning in for a neck nuzzle or taking a whiff of Michelle’s perfume. 71 Elegance February 2012
Weds
Aisha Abdul Aziz Kebbeh A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. In December 30th Elegance Magazine witness the tying of the knot of Aisha and Abdul Aziz Kebbeh. Aisha has been living in the United States for the past 16 years. She came back home to celebrate her union with her family and love ones. On the 29th she celebrate it with her culture which is from Janjanbureh by bring out the kankurang to entertain her loves one. She celebrate her union by holding a grand reception at the Sheraton Resort Hotel and Spa Elegance covered the glittering reception by bring the highlights of the photos.
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2012 Banjul
Egereh Thousand of Gambians are always seen to be storming Banjul on New Year’s Day to witness the annual ‘Egereh’ which is always organized by the Ekun Baba Hunting Society. The Hunting Society was established in the early 60s as part of the star light football club in 26 Macdouall Street in Banjul. Hunting is and Aku traditional that originated from Sierra Leone to the Gambia. The Society has lots of secret that are not known to the general public. Ekun Baba Hunting Society in recent years has gain the admiration of the Gambia Public by showcasing different animal heads which always wow the crowd. They are able to do this with the support of there head and financer Alpha Jallow and recently they have also got the support of prominent Gambia’s like the President of The Gambia, Mustapha Njie Taf, muhamed Jah and Ebou John. They also got support from financial institutions like Trust Bank and FIBank. This year there main attraction was the head of the Polar Bear, Hippotamus and the Camel head. This year Elegance Magazine went around the annual ‘Egereh’ to show our readers who and who was present. 75 Elegance February 2012
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2012 Horoscope & Astrology Aries
2012 would be a good year overall. You will experience a rise in financial luck and inflows.
Libra
A powerful phase will be in operation this month. You will find your role as defined by nature will change and all efforts and activities carried out by you will assume higher importance and effectiveness.
Taurus
A very eventful year. Career would be on a high growth trajectory and bring in major progress and achievements.
Scorpio
Cancer
A very eventful year, although negative thoughts and unnecessary pessimism could spoil your spirit and bring in unnecessary mood.
Capricorn
A very positive year for you. You would be at your creative and luck related peak in more than the previous year.
Leo
An exceptional year again. You will see a rise in status and expansion in career this year too. Luck will favor you throughout.
Aquarius
Positive period would continue, although you need to be careful that throwing good money after bad money is not a great idea.
A much better year in comparison to 2010 & 2011. You will feel a surge in your luck, productivity and general sense of positive outlook.
Gemini
Virgo
Sagittarius
Pisces
A very positive year. Income & professional growth would be immense. You will find the ability to make some very profitable deals now.
2012 brings in promise and progress. New ideas and cerebral approach to matters will bring in much progress this year. You will be at your creative best till May 2012 and thereafter dynamic activity.
A brilliant & positive year, where you will make things happen on your own strength, rather than seeking support of others.
Some amount of struggle and hurdles could come about in life this year. You will have a positive and gainful period till May 2012.
celebrating the Gambia-Live!
ELE ANCE Price D150, £2.99, €3.99, $5.00
Issue - 01 November 2010
Celebrating the Gambia - Live!
MAGAZINE
Ndey Awa Khan
Gambia’s Business Woman of The Year
A day with Hatib Janneh Fatima Jabbie in Nollywood
My Culture My Identity
22nd July Celebrations Top American Artist Chaz Guest embraces Gambia as home ALSO INSIDE
Mathew John Gambian born International Model
• How to keep your husband • The science and history of shea butter • Facebook hair and makeup
International Model Gambian born Mathew John
• Facebook hair and makeup • The science and history of shea butter • How to keep your husband
My Identity My Culture in Nollywood Fatima Jabbie
Hatib Janneh A day with
ALSO INSIDE
as home Gambia embraces Artist Chaz Guest Top American
Celebrations 22nd July
Khan Ndey Awa
Gambia’s Business Woman of The Year
Elegance Magazine offers your business a direct route to its target market.
ELE ANCE Dear Readers, Celebrating the Gambia - Live!
Issue - 01 November 2010
MAGAZINE
Please enjoy a copy of The Gambia’s leading and most read magazine delivered at your door. The magazine covers feature articles of international standard, issues of couples and singles, lifestyles, fashion, health & food and other events, capped with breaking news that keep you on top of the happenings.
Price D150, £2.99, €3.99, $5.00
SUBSCRIBE TO ELEGANCE MAGAZINE (A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION) & RECIEVE a year’s worth of the magazine delivered at your door for just D1,000. And the first 50 people to subscribe to the magazine will receive D200 worth of COMIUM credit. For more info please call 00220-3770067 or 670067 Email: elegancemag@live.co.uk
www.elegance.gm