By Arret Jatta
Gambian Mbalax and Afro-fusion artist Barhama Cham popularly known by his stage name BARHAMA released an apology statement after his outburst on stage using the F word, demanding “respect” before refusing to perform after dropping his mic and marching off stage.
The incident took place at the Best of the Best Concert at Qcity on Saturday the 13th of May 2023. Female Artist Awa Gambia also decided not to perform at the event which also raised eyebrows as to the management of the show.
Link to video of Barhama walking off stage. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=YCRy0i&v=915216986398114
On May 10th Barhama took to Facebook to promote the Best of the Best show telling fans to “get ready for the magical moment. It’s going down this Saturday, Best of the Best” while tagging promoters Stickybee Promotion and Pa Jawara Gadbless Promotion.
In a turnaround of events, Barhama refused to perform after marching off stage dropping f-bombs and later released an apology statement. In his statement, he stated that “it is with deep regret that I share this video with you to apologize for my unfortunate actions at the Best of the Best Concert last night. I’m sure some of you have seen the video making rounds”.
The artist who is known for his cool personality told fans that “most of you that know me, know me as one of the most calm, respectful and peaceful artists this country ever have but like the Wollof would say: “Lu oppa rek tuuru”, he said. Which means there’s a limit to everything.
He also noted that he will not go into detail as to what triggered his behaviour on stage but he must state that he was subjected to the most dishonourable form of disrespect and belittling at the show which pushed him over his limits.
Link to video of Barhama’s apology: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1283685529191759&extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=YCRy0i&ref=sharing
Pa Jawara one of the organizers of the show took to his Facebook page to apologize to the artist who were not pleased with the show, “we want to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to each and every one of you, especially the musicians that went home very unhappy because of some misunderstandings, we take full responsibility and we promise to do better next year” he wrote.
However, music fans believe that something must have gone very wrong because they believe “BARHAMA is not that kind of person” and also believe that “he is one of coolest in the music industry”.
