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The ninth roots homecoming festival in The Gambia has shown a bright sign to achieve the best, in organisation and attendance, in the history of the biennial event.
International artists such as Morgan Heritage, Buju Banton, Freddy McGregor, Maxi Priest, IWayne, Mutabaruka and The Marley Family have shown interest to be billed as special guest performers through the eight-day festival. The festival has in the past featured DJs, few known international artist and local acts. This year's edition will feature a long list of internationally known acts as well numerous local and upcoming acts. The Festival, which will be opened by the President of The Gambia Yahya AJJ Jammeh, will run through May 30 to June 7, 2008.
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Roots Homecoming Festival 2008 will commemorate the enforced enslavement and transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. Africans and friends of Africa from the Diaspora are presented with an opportunity to attend and participate in the rites to rediscover culture and heritage. During the festival, attendees will visit places of historical, cultural and educational interest such as Juffureh (the late Alex Haley's Ancestral home), Fort James Island, Georgetown (now Janjanbureh), and establish cultural ties. They will attend international musical concerts and Cultural Jamborees, visit a traditional African batik factory, craft markets, experience traditional African cuisine, hairstyles, fashion and Jewellery and then witness traditional events such as the "Futampaf" (rites of passage) ceremony in the home village of President Yahya AJJ Jammeh.
The 2008 Gambia's International Roots Homecoming Festival has a restructured face compared to the previous eight editions. The restructuring includes new features to the programme. There will be exceptional excursions to the rural parts of The Gambia, an expanded Investment Forum, a visit to Janjanbureh and Heritage sites with an option of overnight stay.
Many of the local businesses, especially those of expatriates, are in some way involved and they are gearing up to welcome all visitors to the event and pledging discounts on hotel accommodation, property investments, dining out, food and beverage and live entertainment.
Part of the restructuring is the appointment of Anna Njie (International Roots Festival UK) and Manchester-based Randolph Mike (Level 22 Entertainment Ltd) as the official promoters of 2008 Gambia International Roots Festival. These two have been entrusted by Gambia's Department of State for Tourism to be actively involved in promoting the festival in the UK. |
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