By Kaddijatou Njie
Jaliba Kuyateh, the King of ‘Kora’ as addressed by many Gambians, has been honoured by a non-governmental of Guinea Bissau, Guinea Lanta, as a cultural Ambassador of the group in a ceremony held at his residence in BrikamaNyambia on Saturday, September 14th, 2024.
The historic event was marked by the unique sound of the ‘Kora’, and the complex construction of the iconic instrument was also on display.
His Excellency, Domingos Camara De Barros, the Ambassador of Guinea Bissau to the Gambia, emphasized the strong relationship between the Gambia and Guinea while underscoring the cultural values both countries share.
“Jaliba Kuyateh’s domain as king of Kora has rang a thematic tone in the art of Kora and Mandinka music, building international Kora recognition for the Gambia,” he stated.
Jaliba Kuyateh, after receiving the precious title as the newly nominated Ambassador of Guinea Lanta, expressed the importance of Kora in the Gambian society.
“I thank the Guinea Lanta (NGO) for recognizing my selfless work in promoting the cultural heritage of Kora. It is, therefore, against the backdrop that I humbly stand before you all to say that I have the singular honour and pleasure to accept the nomination of becoming the Guinea Lanta ambassador and I pledge my full support to the organization,” he stated.
Antonio Queba Banjai, president of Guinea Lanta said Jaliba Kuyateh was recognized by an (NGO) body based in Guinea Bissau for his steadfastness in promoting the Kora heritage bestowing a title named as the cultural ambassador of Guinea Lanta particularly in the context of preparations for the convening of 2025 Kora festival of Kabu.