Gambian artist and songwriter Alieu Leigh, accompanied by members of the Leigh-Busso Pro Music Group, on Tuesday 22nd June, 2021, presented a remix of the popular Scorpions song ‘Sanjally’ to the President of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Mr. Lamin Kabba Bajo in a presentation held at Football House in Kanifing.
The ceremony, which was chaired by the General Secretary of the GFF, Mr. Lamin M. Jassey, was also attended by the Communications & Marketing Director Mr. Baboucarr Camara, and Mr. Bakary Burama Baldeh, the Communications Manager, who also doubles as an adviser to the group.
Mr. Leigh expressed joy in contributing his quarter to the advancement of the national football team of The Gambia through his music. He said the song is primarily dedicated to the Scorpions and has existed in the music industry for nearly 16 years. “Since composing the first song, and qualifying for the first time, the fans demanded for a remix and I’m glad that we are able to present the remix today,” he said, describing the song as the anthem of the Scorpions and called on all Gambians to rally behind the team in any way they can. “This is our contribution as Gambians, to be the 12th player of the team and cheer the boys to boost their morals and we hope that everyone will enjoy the remix.”
For his part, the Manager of the Group Momodou Jang Jallow acknowledged the efforts of the Federation President despite his busy schedule, describing the event as noble. “We [the fans] have been working very hard and this is just one way we could say thank you. Presenting this remix means a lot and we wish the boys to reach the World Cup even though they’ve already made every Gambian, globally, very proud,” he affirmed.
Alagie Leigh is a renowned producer whose work is seen globally at national, regional and the international stage producing and backing live bands. Some of his notable work includes “Praises” with Born Africans, ST, Jizzle, Admiral Tibet, Anthony B amongst others. He produced the “Sanjally” remix and speaking on the hit track, he said the song remains unique and unforgettable unlike many songs that gradually faded away along the years. “It’s my first time visiting Football House and I must admit that I’m very pleased to be here,” he said. Alagie added that as a Gambian, it is his wish to create a special trailer sound for the Federation, which will be an original sound and can be used for any local football or sports program and the media.
Bai Cham, the Coordinator and President of the Scorpions Fans Club and Bakary B Baldeh both highlighted the genesis of the song which started at a ‘vous’ and thanked the Federation for giving them the environment to express their passion and also contribute to the successes of the Scorpions.
Receiving the song, Mr. Bajo congratulated the group for their commitment and love for Gambian football, describing the song as naturally enjoyed by all. He underscored the importance of the fans as the 12th player in the team that serves as a boost for the boys. “The boys need the ambiance. Individually we can be supporters of the team and sometimes change because the results don’t go our way but you are always consistent, reliable and last hope for the players. So on behalf of the Executive Committee of the GFF, I say thank you and your efforts are well recognised by all,” he assured.
Mr. Bajo disclosed that despite the numerous financial challenges faced by the Federation at this present time, he pledged the GFF’s support towards the production of the video clip as soon as possible. He added that his office is working on a broader program that will reach out to the fans to complete the final arrangements for the Road to Cameroon 2022.