Speaking to The Standard at his family homestead in the Brikama ward of Sanchaba last evening, the scion of the Bai-Conteh/Malamin Jobarteh kora dynasty said: “Yes, I hear people are saying in town that I passed away, I even had to go to our community radio in Brikama, FMB, to clear the air. I am not dead as you can obviously see. Well I don’t know why they are saying this but I am here recovering from my illness and my doctors are taking care of me. I am on the final stage of medication and I will soon be on stage by the grace of God. Please, let the people calm down, the rumour is not true.”
The popular kora player, affectionately dubbed ‘Dinding Jali’ by his fans, has been ill and bedridden for four months now. Consequently, he had cancelled all his concerts and temporarily handed over his Salam Band to his younger brother, Pa Bobo.
Although the exact nature of his sickness has not been publicly revealed, it is said to affect his legs which have swollen. Tata however, told this paper that apart from taking local herbal treatments, he has been to the Edward Francis Teaching Hospital, Serekunda Hospital and MRC clinic.
“I also want people to desist from asking for donations on my behalf. All what I need now are prayers and not financial assistance. People also have to be sure before uttering that someone has died as this can bring confusion to the general public. Nonetheless, I thank all the people who have expressed great concern with my health,” he concluded.
Author: Kebba Camara
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