Abdel Kabir Lie Ngum, a veteran Gambian musician who had spent most of his life as an artist, passed away on Friday, aged 73. He was laid to rest on Saturday at the Jeshwang Cemetery.

Mr. Ngum was among the oldest artistes and had played in almost different parts of the world – being recognised as a legend in the art industry. He had touched most hearts in his tenure as an artiste, singing about real issues of life that also contributed to The Gambia’s music art.

The veteran singer and pianist played with Super Alligators and Guelewar Jazz Band. He contributed a lot to the promotion and development of Gambian music and trained many musicians.

In a tribute, Musa Mboob, who worked with the deceased, expressed sadness while stating that Mr. Ngum was among the best Gambians with vast knowledge about music.

“I had worked with him in the country and Europe. If you had worked and got close to Lie, you would realise how kindhearted he was. In all our tours, sitting with talented people, Lie used to arrange and compose his songs. That’s a gift because many musicians can arrange but they cannot compose.”

With Oko Drammeh’s support, he explained that they travelled together in Holland composing music for five months. He added that had it been that the Gambia had a music school; Lie would have been one of the best lecturers.

Bai Janha, also stated that he met Lie because of music but their relationship ended beyond music and they had travelled together in different places. He explained that they met in several bands, adding that Lie was a great musician who was appreciated by many.

“He was a good man and he had respected me since. Lie would discuss most of his things with me and that’s why he became like a younger brother to me. He developed his own style of singing and raised the Gambian flag all over the world because of his hard work.”

Mr. Janha said Gambians have problems with liking their own and valuing what they have. He added that Music is their profession  and they had played their part.

“The experiences Senegal has in music were first learned from The Gambia. Lie was a pious Muslim and he used to attend any event in society. We have contributed to the construction of many schools in the country.”