By Sainabou Sambou
Mrs. Ndey Fatou Jabang, a prominent figure in the Gambia’s entertainment and entrepreneurship ecosystem, is making significant strides towards shaping the future of young Gambians through her multifaceted initiatives. As the CEO of Flex Fuzion Entertainment and Dance Academy, founder of Afriq Divas, Co-founder and Director of Kids Glitz and Glamorous Talent and Modeling Agency, President of the Dance Association of the Gambia and Vice President of The Gambia Union of Theatre, actress, Award winner of the Most Outstanding African Young Woman in Entertainment 2022 by the Africa Women Conference and nominee entrepreneur of the year 2022 by She-Awards Gambia, Jabang’s endeavors are pivotal in fostering talent and promoting economic empowerment in The Gambia.
Established in 2017, Flex Fuzion Entertainment and Dance Academy stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring dancers and entrepreneurs alike. Her journey to prominence in the dance industry began with her formal training at the Norwegian College of Dance, supplemented by additional education in theater management at the Central Academy of Cultural Administration in China. Her commitment to continuous professional development led her to the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in 2019, where she underwent specialized Entrepreneurship course at the McCombs School of Business University of Texas in Austin, USA, followed by an enriching experience at the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta.
In an exclusive interview with Gambia Daily Life & Entertainment, Mrs. Jabang explained the inspiration behind her entrepreneurial pursuits, citing her observations of the vibrant dance culture in Sweden as a catalyst for her vision. Recognizing the absence of a structured platform for dance education and professional development in The Gambia, Mrs. Jabang seized the opportunity to establish an institution that not only nurtures artistic talent but also cultivates entrepreneurial skills among its students. “At our academy, we provide students with complimentary tutoring in core subjects and communication skills, in addition to comprehensive training in various dance styles ranging from traditional to Modern and contemporary,” Jabang stated.
She said their curriculum encompasses not only artistic mastery but also practical insights into entrepreneurship, equipping students with the tools for success in the creative industry.
Ndey Fatou’s impact surpasses geographical boundaries, as evidenced by her pioneering efforts to introduce Zumba to Gambian fitness enthusiasts in 2015-2016, revolutionizing the local fitness landscape. Through her initiatives, she has transformed countless young lives, offering alternatives to societal challenges such as crime and substance abuse, while simultaneously providing avenues for artistic expression and economic empowerment.
“We have established strategic partnerships with international networks offering dance scholarships, enabling our students to pursue higher education in prestigious European institutions,” Jabang revealed.
She further stated their pioneering projects in performing arts entrepreneurship through Dance Gambia Championship have empowered emerging artists to harness their creative talents into sustainable ventures.
Despite her commendable achievements, Jabang faces operational challenges, including inadequate space for her academy and noise complaints from neighboring properties. These obstacles underscore the complexities inherent in sustaining creative enterprises within urban environments. Undeterred by challenges, Mrs. Ndey Fatou Jabang remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering Gambian youth through dance and entrepreneurship. Her dedication to fostering talent and promoting socioeconomic development serves as a testament to her leadership and vision, inspiring positive change within her community and beyond.
