19 May 2008
It is only ten days before the start of Gambia's Roots International Festival which aims at reuniting African descendants on their ancestral land.
The Gambian Department of State for Tourism and Culture has organised the ninth edition of the biennial event which commemorates slavery and the African Diaspora in the world, and explores and celebrates the African culture and history.
From May, 30th to June, 7th, the Gambia is expecting visits of people from all six continents, all coming to support action and development within the country and to share their common cultural heritage.
Performances from international music artists Rita Marley, Capleton, Gregory Isaacs and Freddy Macgregor will punctuate the festival, as well as numerous organised excursions to some of the Gambia's most important historical sites and monuments.
Dance carnivals and rituals such as the Futampaf Rites of Passage also figure on the programme, making a visit to the Gambia at this period of the year totally unforgettable.
The festival is also seen as a promotion of the country's cultural tourism and economic development, and according to the African Echo, Nana Ama Amamoo, executive director of African families' foundation, has called for descendants of the African Motherland to contribute to the development of the continent.
