Ndeneh Faal and Jatou Tambadou-Faal, one of the wealthiest couples in the country, spared no expense for their daughter, Fatou Ndeneh's wedding reception at the Coco Ocean Resort and Spa, making it one of the most extravagant events in recent memory.
The couple reportedly spent over D7 million on the event, which featured a performance by Grammy-award-winning artist Youssou Ndour and included prominent guests such as business mogul Muhammed Jah and Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay.
Here is an exclusive chat we had with a source close to the Faal family:
What's On-Gambia: Was Youssou Ndour paid D4 million to perform at the event?
Source: He wasn’t paid the amount you posted. Mbaye Dieye Faye is a family friend of Jatou's.
What's On-Gambia: So, what was the payment?
Source: I can confirm the total expenditure for the reception was D7 million.
What's On-Gambia: Does this include Jatou’s trips to China and Dubai for decorations and shopping?
Source: How did you know about Jatou’s trips? She used her own money for her daughter’s wedding. Ndeneh is not as rich as many of you think.
What's On-Gambia: Did the groom, Sheikh Sillah contribute?
Source: Jatou and Ndeneh are financing the wedding, with Jatou contributing the most.
What's On-Gambia: So, the total expense was more than D7 million?
Source: The D7 million was only for the reception excluding the welcome party, the bridal party, Ngomarr, Hewwi Kerr and Murr. Fatou is the first child of the family. Halleh bu mbahk, yarru, juliteh and respecful la. The wedding isn't over yet and Gambians are making noise.
What's On-Gambia: Is Pape Diouf performing on Wednesday?
Source: Hmmmm. Who's giving you all these information. Yes, we are having Pape Diouf on Wednesday.
What's On-Gambia: Is that another reception?
Source: Yes. Hewwi Kerr lah.
What's On-Gambia: What's Hewwi Kerr?
Source: That's the program on Wednesday at Dream Maker.
What's On-Gambia: Where is Dream Maker?
Source: Near Casa Afriq, owned by Aunty Joko. It’s a new venue for weddings.
What's On-Gambia: This is an expensive wedding.
Source: People will always come to whatever Jatou organizes. She helped everyone in her family and supported a lot of people around her. Even if she spends D100 million, she will recover it from well-wishers because she is always there for people.
What's On-Gambia: Who were the VIP guests?
Source: I won’t disclose that.
What's On-Gambia: Muhammed Jah and other notable figures were present.
Source: Yes, along with Awa Camara, Yam Bomse, Awa Wally, Aji Joof, Sira John, Fatou Faal, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Mengeh Njie, and others.
What's On-Gambia: Who are these people?
Source: They are well-known. Ask around.