The crowning was undertaken on behalf of Kombo Sillah Association (KSA) by the founder of the Gunjur-Marlborough link, Dr Nick Maurice, who stated that the ceremony will go “a far way in contributing to the global recognition of a truly great man, the King of Kora, Jaliba Kuyateh.”
Speaking to The Standard yesterday, he added: “The fact that I was chosen by Kombo Sillah Association to undertake the crowning in Bristol over the weekend is the greatest privilege that has ever been bestowed on me. It was a great ceremony. I feel passionately that people of different cultures and faiths must come together to build peace, justice and prosperity. My friend Desmond Tutu said, ‘I am saying that we are family! If we don’t wake up to that fact soon, we are destined for extinction’. This is what the Kombo Sillah Association has been doing and I am immensely proud and pleased to be associated with their noble endeavours from supporting cultural understanding among people of different cultures and raising funds to support development back home.
“He has made many recordings and he has played to large audiences around the world including America, Europe and of course Africa. He has been chosen to be Unicef Ambassador in recognition of his ability through his playing to bring peace and harmony. It is significant that one of his songs is entitled Kaira Silo Mang Jang Fa (the road to peace is never too long).It is entirely appropriate that he should be crowned King of Kora.”
KSA was founded by Gambians and friends of The Gambia resident in the UK with a view to promoting education, and relieving poverty. In the UK, this involves cultural education targeted at the objective of advancing and cementing social cohesion and community integration.
By Sainey Darboe
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