The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the President has described the bi-annual Kanilai International Festival as a thundering success, saying that this year’s edition was unprecedented in the sense that the turn out was impressively overwhelming.

Mr. Ebrima JT Kujabi told journalists that President Jammeh should be, as a matter of prudence, heartily commended for coming up with such a groundbreaking initiative, adding that it is increasingly becoming evident that the Festival is a powerful tool to promote not only tourism but also sub-regional integration.

“Organising such a successful mega cultural bonanza is not a small feat,  thus the President must be given the accolade  for the initiative,” he said.

The State House press boss went on to pay tribute to all those who contributed towards the total success of the event.

Having caused sensations in the just-concluded much-acclaimed Kanilai International Festival, Cuarteto Harvest, a famous quartet musical outfit from Venezuela yesterday paid a courtesy call on The Point, as they are set to leave the country on Saturday after a successful trip to the Smiling Coast.

The group, who arrived in the country about three weeks ago, was here on the invitation of the Gambian leader to partake in the Kanilai Cultural galore.

Speaking to this paper in an exclusive interview, the bandleader, Mr. Anilar Martinez, thanked President Jammeh and the Gambian people for the hospitality accorded them, saying that they really enjoyed their stay in the country. He said: “The Gambia is a wonderful country and the people are so nice, friendly and hospitable,” adding: “Your president is a friendly man and he has invited us again to visit this country in November this year.”

Meanwhile, this is the first time for the Venezuelan band to visit Africa. The band was formed in 1976 and since then they have been making waves in the entertainment scene in Venezuela and beyond. In fact it was reported that the band took second position in the Kanilai cultural competition.

The Sierra Leonean Cultural Troupe taking part in the 4th Edition of the Kanilai International Cultural Festival and champions of the famous Mystical Powers Competition in the last festival, have vowed to retain the title again this time.

Speaking to the Daily Observer in Kanilai over the weekend, Kolleh Dura Suma, the Director of Culture of Sierra Leone who heads the delegation, said: ”We are more optimistic of regaining the trophy. We are ready because the Malians lost to us last time and they will be prepared but we are more prepared. We did not put on display all the things we have at the moment. We have a lot of things that were not displayed during the last festival.”

Mr. Suma then paid respect to President Jammeh for conducting such a wonderful festival. ”I hope other African leaders will emulate President Jammeh so that the culture of Africa will be revived”, he said.
For his part, Salamu Karew, a choreographer with the Sierra Leonean troupe, said they have more to show during the festival. ”We have seen our opponents’ performances and whether they have anything they did not show, I don’t know. But we are ready to regain the title and win more trophies”, he said.

Mr. Karew also described President Jammeh as a hardworking leader who is developing The Gambia. ”We really admire him and if we can have his type in Sierra Leone it will be good for our country. I have travelled to Banjul and Serrekunda and all I could see was development and the popularity of him [President Jammeh].

As Groundbreaking Cultural Fiesta Opens

Kanilai, the birthplace of the Gambian leader, will be involved in a weekend celebration of culture as the much-hyped Kanilai International Cultural Festival kick-starts this evening in Kanilai, Foni Kansala District.

The event, which will run from 22nd June to 8th July 2007 under the distinguished chief patronage of His Excellency President Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, is designed to revive, promote and develop our rich cultural heritage and showcase the diverse performance traditions of the different ethnic groups of the sub region.

Featuring cultural troupes from the nook and cranny of the Gambia and its neighbouring countries, the festival will be characterised by mystical displays, masquerade performance, music, dance and drama extravaganzas.  Renowned musical giants in the sub-region will also attend and participate in this show of exceptional African talent, which is increasingly gaining popularity.