They were known to be ardent supporters of the former president. But as soon as it was announced that ECOWAS was coming to flush Jammeh out of State House like a deadly, cancerous cell, they all changed colours like chameleons and ditched him.
The wave of celebrity U-turns was led by former DJ Lamin Cham. He was among the first to visit the new leader, Adama Barrow to pledge his support for his government.
Another celebrity that abandoned Jammeh, when majority of Gambians were pressuring him to leave the State House after losing the December 1 election, was Yaws Conateh.
The famous designer’s family was very close to the former leader and it is not surprising that many were puzzled by her volte face.
Among many who ditched Jammeh included Abubacarr Darboe of GRTS and Hellen Maroun, who was once alleged to have had an affair with the APRC leader.
Bai Babu, who was known for singing Jammeh’s praises, also abandoned him.
Shrewd and tactical event organiser, Haddy Faye made her U-turn even before the former president lost the election. Like Talleyrand, a onetime minister of Napoleon era and master of timing, she was quick to notice the trend and sinking popularity of Jammeh and Jumped ship before the election campaign even started.
Interestingly enough, Haddy’s fiancé, Syrian-born Rafaat was among the people who received awards from Jammeh for supporting his government a few months before the presidential nominations.
Many more, however, have simply gone quiet, including Cess Ngum and Khadijah Kebbeh. They were both allegedly close to Babili Mansa.