Literature in The Gambia has been gradually expanding wide and fast. Poetry is one of its fastest growing forms in the country which mainly involves young people who use their melodious voices to evoke impactful messages through poem recitations.
The secret to its expansion is credited to the manner the messages are composed and delivered by the young talents. They make sure that the content goes beyond a mere entertainment which normally sends hundreds of their audiences into amusement.
“It’s quite important for people to know that the primary role of poetry is to inform. That is to educate, to serve wisdom and to let the people know that this is what is going on, [things that] should not happen and what we could be able to do to avert certain things that are going on in life,” said Omar Cham, alias Champion Poet.

Omar, 25, is generally admired by Gambians especially in recent times for his ability in the accurate word selection, flexible tone rhyming. He has won several accolades to his name.
On the sidelines of the recently ended Tafcon event in Banjul, the young poet talks to The Chronicle about his beginnings, the importance of poetry in a democracy, the launch of his album as well as his legacy as a mentor.
Omar is by far one of our continents greatest young poets. He is creative, committed, humble, timeless and so on. I am a proud associate. I learn from him more than I should learn.
Keep leading the change Omar. Let the World hear you.
Great interview. Keep on keeping on🥰
Great interview there, Champion is very hardworking and passionate about poetry were he speaks and advocate to change things through arts… keep it rolling i am always proud of you.
All the best in your strive my mentor
Keep up it bro you a true champion
Keep it up bro you a true champion
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we are proud of you Bro👏👏👏More Success ahead in shaa Allah❤️🇬🇲