On June 8th and 9th 2025, the Kardo National Stage was held in the Gambia where Gambian creatives competed in the directions for Djing, Hip-hop and Graffiti. It was an intense competition between the participants to get the chance to represent the Gambia at the Grand final in Stavropol, Russia. The event was attended by art and culture fans, youths and the young generation who has develop so much love for street culture. Among the judges were key sector industry state holders with the likes of the presidents and chairperson’s of the Gambia Dance academy, Visual art association of the Gambia and experts in the areas of Rap and DJ direction.
The street today consists of recognizable brands, athletes, dancers, cultural figures, promising public and business projects. Street culture unites more than 10 million people in Russia. The international competition-award for the development of street culture and Sports “KARDO” is a project aimed at finding and supporting talents in the field of street culture and sports, as well as creating social ladders for street figures around the world.
The Gambia has the honor of welcoming Kardo to the Smiling Coast of Africa. Gambian creatives will have the opportunity to compete across various categories to represent our beloved country at the Grand Final in Stavropol, Russia.
The National Stage was held at the Africell-KMC Park, located at Kairaba Avenue, Traffic Lights, Serekunda, The Gambia .Known his passion for art and culture. One of the participant of the graffiti direction said
“the Kardo national stage served as a platform to nurture talents which was one of the thing we lack said, it provided with the experience after practicing art and graffiti in the country for more than 10 years- occasion” – Haz Art
Winners of the Nattional stage are Lamin Seck known as Mun Jollof, for Graffitti direction , Moses Kanform known as DJ Ziggler for DJ Direction and Bai Ndondi for Hip Hop Dance
Gibril Faal, also known as DJ G Faal, Ambassador of Kardo in The Gambia and Director of the Smile Nation Foundation, emphasized that this marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for Gambian creatives. With over 15 years of experience in Gambia’s arts and culture sector, he believes this partnership with the Kardo Awards signals the start of a long-lasting collaboration. Going forward, this event will be hosted annually in The Gambia.
