Opinion: Star Girl & Fula Gangster: Time to rethink their lyrics

By: Momodou Jawo
News Editor Point Newspaper

Music is a powerful tool. It can inspire, educate, and unite communities. In The Gambia, we have been blessed with legendary figures such as Jaliba Kuyateh, whose mastery of the Kora has brought pride and cultural recognition to our nation. Yet, in recent times, the direction of some of our younger artists raises serious concerns.

Two rising stars, Star Girl and Fula Gangster, have produced songs that are increasingly popular among schoolchildren. Unfortunately, the lyrical content of these songs is deeply troubling. Their music is saturated with romantic themes that are not only inappropriate for young audiences but also risk shaping the values of impressionable children in ways that undermine our cultural and social fabric.

It is alarming to witness children as young as five to ten years old singing along to lyrics that should never have been written in the first place. Even more worrying is the fact that some school heads have gone so far as to invite these artists to perform at school programmes attended exclusively by pupils. This raises a fundamental question: what lessons are we imparting to our children when we expose them to such content in an educational setting?

The Ministry of Education must take this issue seriously. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, growth, and moral development. Allowing musicians with questionable lyrical content to perform in front of pupils sends the wrong message. It normalises themes that are unsuitable for children and risks eroding the values we strive to instil in them.

This is not to say Gambian musicians should be silenced. On the contrary, they should be empowered, supported, and celebrated. But empowerment must come with responsibility. Music should carry messages that unite us, educate us, and sensitise the public on issues of national importance, whether governance, health, or social cohesion. With their unique voices and undeniable talent, Star Girl and Fula Gangster have the potential to rise above and become truly great musicians. What they need is guidance, coaching, and a shift in focus.

Love songs are not inherently problematic. But they must be crafted in ways that respect our cultural values and social norms. In a country like The Gambia, where music plays such a central role in shaping public opinion and influencing the younger generation, artists must recognise the weight of their responsibility.

The time has come for authorities, educators, and the music industry itself to act. We must ensure that the songs performed in schools and promoted to children carry positive, constructive messages. If we fail to address this issue now, we risk raising a generation whose values are shaped not by education and culture, but by lyrics that trivialise love and ignore the pressing challenges of our society.

Star Girl and Fula Gangster are stars indeed, but stars shine brightest when they illuminate the path forward. With the right guidance, they can become ambassadors of music that uplifts, educates, and unites The Gambia.

 By: Momodou Jawo News Editor Point Newspaper Music is a powerful tool. It can inspire, educate, and unite communities. In The Gambia, we have been blessed with legendary figures such as Jaliba Kuyateh, whose mastery of the Kora has brought pride and cultural recognition to our nation. Yet, in recent times, the direction of some The Fatu Network