The initiative, not only seeks to celebrate and promote the diverse cultural heritage, but would also help in promoting unity and social cohesion in that part of Gambia especially for those who are part of the trans Gambia corridor.
The theme for this forthcoming event is ‘Promoting peace, tolerance and intercultural dialogue.’ It is will feature performances from storytelling, drumming and masquerade displays (eg kankurang), local art fashion and craft exhibition. The other aspects will be the community participation where youth groups, women groups, cultural associations and schools take part in competition, performance and educational events.
Malang Fatty, chief organiser for the Soma Trans Gambia Festival (SOTRAFEST), revealed that it is a community-based cultural event typically held in Soma, a growing town in the Lower River Region.
The Soma resident spoke of the preparation taking place ahead of the event, noting that the key elements of the festival include cultural showcases of traditional music and dance performance from various ethnic groups such as Mandinka, Fula, Wollof and Jola, among others.
“Diaspora Gambians also attend and contribute to the event as a way of reconnecting to their roots.”
The cultural jamboree, he added, will add a lot of gains to the country especially in the economy (tourism sector), as it will help boost the local economy through trade fairs, food vendors and tourism related activities.
“It also aims to encourage domestic and regional tourism within the Gambia and Senegal and finally it promotes the trans Gambia connection. The trans Gambia part refers to Soma's role as a transit and cultural link between northern and southern Gambia and between the Gambia and Senegal.”
