Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Lord Mayor and leader of the Unite Movement for Change, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has revealed that long before entering public office, he was known by the stage name “T-Weed,” performing as a rapper and working part-time as a DJ in Canada.
Bensouda made the revelation during an interview conducted as part of his ongoing listening tour across the United States, offering a rare glimpse into a little-known chapter of his life before becoming one of Gambia’s young political figures.
The unexpected disclosure has sparked conversations among Gambians at home and abroad, with many expressing surprise at the mayor’s artistic background. The revelation has also highlighted Bensouda’s unconventional journey from music to municipal leadership and national politics.
However, the interview with Gambia Talent Promotion quickly shifted from nostalgia to politics as Bensouda outlined his vision for The Gambia and renewed his criticism of President Adama Barrow’s administration.
The Unite Movement for Change leader said his focus is no longer on entertainment but on what he described as the urgent need for political and institutional reform.
“For the country to properly move forward, President Adama Barrow needs to step down,” Bensouda declared during the interview, reiterating his belief that The Gambia requires a change in national leadership.
The comments come as political activities continue to intensify ahead of future elections, with opposition parties increasingly positioning themselves to challenge the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Bensouda has emerged as one of the country’s promising opposition voices through his leadership of the Kanifing Municipal Council and the Unite Movement for Change. His U.S. listening tour is aimed at engaging Gambians in the diaspora, gathering views on national issues and strengthening support for his political movement.
Political observers say Bensouda’s transition from entertainer to politician reflects the changing face of Gambian leadership, where younger politicians are seeking to connect with an electorate that is increasingly dominated by young voters.
While his days as “T-Weed” may have come to an end, Bensouda made it clear that his ambitions now lie in shaping the country’s political future. His latest remarks are likely to fuel further debate over governance, leadership and the direction of The Gambia as the political landscape continues to evolve.
