Thursday, December 4, 2008
As WFBA National Commission set up
Preparations are in high gear for the World Festival of Black Arts (WFBA), code named FESMAN III, a continental celebration of everything arts, scheduled for December 1st to - 21st 2009, in Senegal. The mega cultural event will encompass all genres of art: music, visual arts, theatre, dance and other activities highlighting Black’s contribution in the progress of humanity.
As a co-host of the FESMAN III, the department of state for Tourism and Culture convened a meeting of the members of the National Commission of World Festival of Black Arts, last Tuesday, at the Quadrangle in Banjul.
The commission’s members are drawn from different walks of life, and they include eminent personalities in the form of intellectuals, artists, historians, promoters, executives and veterans.
In her welcoming remarks, Hon. Nancy Njie, secretary of state for Tourism and Culture, expressed delight at the enthusiasm shown by the selected members in response to what she described as a "national task." She noted that The Gambia’s contribution to FESMAN III will provide a platform to the population to express the country’s beauty and great achievement in the cultural field.
She also seized the opportunity to recall The Gambian leader, Professor Yahya Jammeh’s stance in promoting African culture, as he is the main brain behind the Kanilai International Festival and Roots Home coming Festival.
In a similar vein, Kaliba Senghore, permanent secretary at the department of state for tourism and culture, reminded the members of their "duty and moral obligation" to deploy necessary efforts so as to make Gambia’s contribution and involvement a success in countless ways.
Momodou Joof, director general of the National Centre of Arts and Culture, made these remarks: "The WFBA National Commission has the great opportunity for The Gambia to expose Africa to the world as the event will help promote cross-cultural experiences and makes the Festival the epic center of African Renaissance."
Meanwhile, it has been agreed that the National Commission will be officially launched on 20th December 2008. A high profile delegation from Senegal is expected to grace the occasion. The selected members of Gambia’s WFBA National Commission are as follows:
dance and other activities highlighting Black’s contribution in the progress of humanity. As a co-host of the FESMAN III, the department of state for Tourism and Culture convened a meeting of the members of the National Commission of World Festival of Black Arts, last Tuesday, at the Quadrangle in Banjul.
The commission’s members are drawn from different walks of life, and they include eminent personalities in the form of intellectuals, artists, historians, promoters, executives and veterans.
In her welcoming remarks, Hon. Nancy Njie, secretary of state for Tourism and Culture, expressed delight at the enthusiasm shown by the selected members in response to what she described as a "national task." She noted that The Gambia’s contribution to FESMAN III will provide a platform to the population to express the country’s beauty and great achievement in the cultural field.
She also seized the opportunity to recall The Gambian leader, Professor Yahya Jammeh’s stance in promoting African culture, as he is the main brain behind the Kanilai International Festival and Roots Home coming Festival.
In a similar vein, Kaliba Senghore, permanent secretary at the department of state for tourism and culture, reminded the members of their "duty and moral obligation" to deploy necessary efforts so as to make Gambia’s contribution and involvement a success in countless ways.
Momodou Joof, director general of the National Centre of Arts and Culture, made these remarks: "The WFBA National Commission has the great opportunity for The Gambia to expose Africa to the world as the event will help promote cross-cultural experiences and makes the Festival the epic center of African Renaissance."
Meanwhile, it has been agreed that the National Commission will be officially launched on 20th December 2008. A high profile delegation from Senegal is expected to grace the occasion.
The selected members of The Gambia National Commission for WFBA are as follows:
• Hon Nancy S Njie - Secretary of State Tourism & Culture
• Kaliba Senghore - Permanent Secretary/Department of State for Tourism & Culture
• Momodou Joof - Director General/National Centre for Arts and Culture
• Dr Mamadou Tangara - Coordinator, NAOSU-EDF/Member of the International Steering
• Committee/Scientific Commission of the Festival
• Lang Tombong Tamba - Major General/GAF
• Alhagi Mbye Chow - Artist
• Njogu Touray - Artist
• Jali Saikou Saho - Traditional Musician
• Representative - Gambian Musicians Association
• Koto Ngum - Musician/Percussionist
• Mariama Khan - Writer
• Marcel Thomasi - Writer/Dramatist
• Jaliba Kuyateh - Musician
• Emmanuel Williams (Manu Kumba) - Cultural Enthusiast/Writer
• Representative - Photographers Association
• Fashion Designers Association - Agie N. Khan
• Edrissa Mass Jobe - Civic Society
• Alhaji Damba Sanyang - Paramount Chief
• Fatou Camara - Promoter/Journalist
• Abdoulie John - Journalist
• Alhaji Mansour Njie - Senior Citizen
• Mayor - Banjul City Council
• Mayor- Kanifing Municipal Council
• 30 Regional Governors
-Westem Region,
- Lower River Region
- Central River Region
- North Bank Region
- Upper River Region
•. Manlafi Jarjue
Author: by Abdoulie John