Kunta Kinteh Foundation set to celebrate Senegambia’s tangible, intangible cultural heritage 

The ten days festival slated for 2nd to 12th July 2023 aims to showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Senegambia through cultural exhibitions, expositions and Diaspora investment opportunities that the Diaspora is searching for.

The festival gained its inspiration from the roots festival as a means to attract Diaspora Africans who are interested in their own identity and that of Afro American history.

The event would also bring together descendants of Africa and African Americans in the Diaspora to showcase the unique culture and heritage of the Senegambia to a wider audience.   

Sheikh Omar Jallow, Secretary General of Kinta Kinteh Foundation said the festival is dedicated to the promotion of cultural heritage of the Senegambia region based on studies of roots on slavery. 

“Part of the program’s aim is to reconnect the current realities to the history and establish universal family engagements to the original credit of our civilisation,” he said.

Lamin Ceesay, a descendant of the 9th generation of Kunta Kinteh called on the private sectors and government to promote domestic tourism and support the event which can take The Gambia to a higher level.

Mr. Ceesay said government and the National Assembly should consider declaring the day a national day. According to him, “It was the day Kunta Kinteh, a true son of The Gambia was captured and transported out of the country from which he suffered being a slave.”

He also expressed gratitude to the association for raising their hearts to the life of Kunta Kinteh. He also assured the association of their support, saying the community of Juffureh will take ownership of the association and event.

Sheikh Ahmed Tijan Baye, Manager of Revina Tours described the day as one for the whole of Africa, saying it therefore deserves to be supported.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the festival was made during a press briefing held at Revina Tours Head Office.