Fulbeh Africa to celebrate 3rd anniversary

The association was founded on Facebook in 2012 and it has more than 20,000 members living in not less than 30 countries.

Edrissa Baldeh, communication and public relations officer, said the association was registered with the Attorney General of The Gambia in 2013.

“It was formed with three main objectives: preserving the rich Fula culture, language, and promoting unity among Fulbe across the globe,” he said.

He pointed out that over the past two years, Fulbe Africa has organised successful events in The Gambia bringing young people, elders, women and children to celebrate their rich culture.

“At Fulbe Africa events, we remind the audience of their glorious past, how beautiful their culture is, and convinced them that they have a responsibility towards generations yet unborn in preserving the culture, languages and promotion of unity,” Mr Baldeh said.

He explained the forthcoming anniversary will be characterised by cultural displays from Fula cultural troupes.There will also be performances from traditional griots, musicians and drama groups.

Fulbe Africa will launch a documentary on the ancient yet lucrative occupation of herding commonly known as ‘Ngainaka’.

Mr Baldeh said the documentary unearths the history of herding, its evolution and the ancient ways of life of a herder compared to modern times.

There will also be a traditional poetry recitation and arts exhibit session. The association is to donate the artwork to the National Centre for Arts and Culture after the presentation.

There will also be a video play of Fulbe Africa ambassadors from Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Mauritania to name a few.

“This will provide the opportunity for the audience to observe the difference in the Pulaar dialects,” the communication officer said.

There will also be two Pulaar books released by renowned Gambian writers: Foday Baldeh titled NJageen Pulaar (let’s learn Pulaar), and Amadou Sowe titled Demgal Pulaar (Pulaar language).

There will also be drama skits by youth groups and speeches from renowned traditional historians and orators.

Officials said entrance will be free and free traditional food and drinks will be served.