The popular Gambian kora player, Jaliba Kuyateh, has said that he is most appreciative of the award conferred on him by Swaebou Conateh, Publisher and Editor of the Gambia News and Report Magazine as the "Man of the Year 2009."
Speaking to The Point recently at his Brikama Nyambai residence, Jaliba described his award as an honour, adding that soon after he was decorated with such a prestigious award from Mr. Conateh, he received numerous phone calls from all walks of life. Jaliba said Sweabou Conateh was the first to give him an award in The Gambia.
He revealed that he had received awards from
The kora maestro was full of praise for not only the people of The Gambia, but the entire sub-region. According to him, he started playing kora when he was doing his primary teachers' certificate (PTC) training course at
"It is not an easy task in achieving one's target in the music arena," says Jaliba, adding "but with commitment you are sure to achieve something at the end of the day."
Jaliba thanked Mr. Conateh for the award.
He also thanked President Yahya Jammeh for also conferring on him the MRG award.
Jaliba promised to do more in the music arena to make the whole world proud of The Gambia, being the
He also expressed his personal gratitude to his Kumareh Band members for their full support over the years, and urged them to keep up the momentum.
"I also want to say a very big thank-you to all my fans for standing by me in my quest to promote kora music within and outside the country."
