As preparations to host the 9th edition of the International Roots Festival gears up, the Department of State for Tourism and Culture, the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA) and other relevant stakeholders in the promotion, development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in the country, last Friday, February 1st 2008 launched  media campaign for the bi-annual cultural event in a ceremony at Paradise Suite Hotel, Kololi.The launching, which was described as the begining of a major publicity campaign, was graced by senior officials drawn from governmental departments, private sector and media organisations.

Conscious of the fact that the Festival has an international dimension, this year's media campaign will not be confined in The Gambia. It is going to be extended other countries in the subregion and beyond, especially in USA, UK and other European countries.

Mrs Angela Colley, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture in launching the media campaign emphasiwed the need to Africanise the cultural event for the interest of Africa and the development of the rich traditional cultural norms and values.

According to her, much attention should be given to  Africans both in terms of participation and celebration, it is about priotising African participation in the festival. The festival should and can be used as a tool for uniting  Africans,it has take a national character.

The tourism and culture Secretary of State (SOS) do not hesitate in describing media as  main partners of the festival.  She took the opportunity and paid tribute to the media practitioners for what she called wonderful job in the promotion, development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in the country and the world at large.