Has Awa Gambia traded her signature mbalax sound for R&B? That’s the question many Gambian music lovers are asking following the singer’s recent projects.
In her latest releases, Awa has been performing mostly in English, and earlier this week she dropped the music video for her new single, “Shake It.”
Unlike some of her previous videos, Shake It hasn’t generated the usual buzz – perhaps her fans are still adjusting to her evolving musical direction.
Still, reactions are mixed. One fan praised her as “Gambia’s Tiwa Savage,” while another wrote:
“Awa Gambia is an underrated Gambian artist. She isn’t being taken seriously by many Gambians despite her incredible talent. Awa is truly gifted at what she does and has what it takes to elevate Gambian music beyond borders. She deserves more support.”
Awa is currently managed by Haddy Faye, one of the most influential figures in the country’s entertainment scene. Recently, Haddy traveled with her to Dakar, where she introduced the young star to some of the biggest names in Senegalese music.
Whether her shift to R&B is a temporary experiment or a long-term artistic direction, one thing is clear: Awa Gambia is determined to grow – and she isn’t afraid to evolve…

