Born in 1965 in Sukuta Town; Kombo North District – WCR – Gambia.

Kebba is a self taught  artist who was first influenced by elder brother Lamin Jassey who was very good in drawing  real life, portrait and abstract. Lamin and Malick Ceesay ( one of the prolific and best surrealist  painter and sculptor in Gambia) did postings together at the Central River Region as civil  servants they do have lots of improvisation/ experimentation sessions together that produced  lots of exciting self discoveries that metamorphosized them to new heights. Having the  opportunity to access such mature intellectual materials has awakened the creative part of me  to let my faculties open up for bloom.

Thereafter I start to go to the library to search for art  works by ancient masters, do more and more sturdy sketches. With no art shops to buy art  materials I ventured into painting with enamel paints and industrial solvents. As I progressed  people around me start to appreciate my works as opposed to my earlier experiences when  some will disapprove of my effort with negative comments like ‘’ in the next world God will ask  you to put life in any person you draw; that it’s the work of the unbelievers’’ However my  parents admire my creative talents that really gave me the energy to explore my passion. 

When I completed school, I went straight to teach at a primary school as an untrained teacher  for five academic years. There I found lots of handicap because majority of teachers cannot  draw their teaching materials so I became very resourceful there and indeed popular with both  teachers, pupil and even in the community. People will always refer to me as the big artist. During this period the school won many National Arts and Craft Competitions. 

As my appetite grows for the arts I decided to leave the teaching for the craft market to  become full time artist where I will meet other artist but to my disappointment there its  repetitions and copying styles that appeal to tourist. At this point I met there some Swedish  couples Mr. & Mrs. Owe and Karin Westerberg who used to bring me lots of artist oil and acrylic  paints and their mediums plus other professional materials like brushes, canvases, pastels which marks the beginning of my professional career. Another person of influence is Sam P Sambou a sculptor and a friend to my late cousin who when he saw my paintings told me boy  you are more mature than some of the so-called big artist. He was the first to introduce me to  my debut at the National Art Exhibition where I met Malick for the first time and most of the  good artist around.

From then on I became a regular in the major art exhibitions in the country  and two international exhibitions. I became an award winner once at the Roots International  Festival Exhibition. My principal area is Painting but also does Batik and minimal sculpting. I  joined many art associations in the Gambia. 

Apart from the arts I have also worked as a rehabilitation officer for a blind organization ( GOVI)  for five years and thereafter as a research assistant at the Medical Research Council (Neonate  Sturdy Project) for two years. On the social side I served in various community Initiative  projects notable among many was serving as chairperson of the School Management  Committee for a full term of four years at my home town’s Sukuta Lower basic School. 

Besides all these I am married with one wife eight children ( 2 males and six daughters).  Married life and art in this part of the world is quite challenging. I have the understanding and  cooperation of my wife and family for the very trying life we lived enduringly.

ACTUAL EXHIBITIONS

07-16 of MAY 2025 / ALLIANCE FRANCAISE BANJUL / The Gambia, Group Exhibition