Gambian Cultural Promoter Njok Malik Jeng Honoured with British Empire Medal

London, UK – 14 June 2025 – UK-based Gambian cultural promoter Njok Malik Jeng has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by His Majesty King Charles III in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his outstanding service to the arts and contributions to community development.

Njok Malik Jeng has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by His Majesty King Charles III

Originally from The Gambia, Mr Jeng is a well-known figure in the UK and European cultural scene, where he has dedicated his career to promoting African music, arts, and culture. He is the Founder and Director of Yaram Arts, an organisation widely respected for its work in supporting and showcasing talent from The Gambia, Senegal, and across the African and Caribbean diaspora.

The BEM is a national honour awarded on the recommendation of the UK Prime Minister and the independent Honours Committee. Recipients like Mr Jeng are recognised for their meritorious service to society and are invited to attend a special investiture ceremony at St James’s Palace in London.

Over the years, Mr Jeng has worked as a festival organiser, tour manager, and cultural entrepreneur, helping bring Gambian and other African artists to the attention of international audiences. Through Yaram Arts, he has helped introduce traditional and contemporary music from the SeneGambian region to schools, festivals, and cultural institutions across the UK and Europe.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Jeng said:

“I am honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. This award belongs to the many artists, audiences, partners, and supporters who make our work possible. I especially thank Arts Council England, my team at Yaram Arts, and all those who believe in the value of cultural exchange and community through the arts.”

Yaram Arts continues to grow in its impact, organising the annual Yaram Festival in East London, working with universities and art therapy institutions, and supporting professional development programmes such as The Gambia Police Band in partnership with the MSDG Project.

Mr Jeng and Yaram Arts are also longstanding partners in the MBOKA Festival, a cultural homecoming festival held in The Gambia every January since 2017, celebrating literature, travel, culture, and African heritage.

Njok Malik Jeng’s recognition as a BEM recipient is a proud moment for The Gambia and the wider African community, and an inspiring reminder of the power of arts and culture to build bridges, foster understanding, and promote unity.