Jaliba Kuyateh, a  king of kora and erudite cultural ambassador of The Gambia, in a recent chat with Arts and Culture at his Brikama residence, spoke extensively about his life as a musician, cultural ambassador, his recent award as the ‘Man of the Year - 2009’ and subsequent nomination by the Gambian leader in the list of those expected to receive the national award for the year 2009.

As expected of a man at the top of the country’s cultural music industry, the  UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Jaliba Kuyateh did not hesitate in describing the News and Report Magazine’s award as really heart touching and a move that inspired him more than ever before.  “It never occurred to me that people are taking records of my activities. Over the years, I brought in series of international awards and development to the country. I was just doing great things to the country as part of my contribution towards the achievement of our sustainable development objectives, under the dynamic and visionary leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh.

I am deeply touched and moved by the decision of News and Report Magazine awarding me the ‘Man of Year 2009’. I welcome and respect their decision and I thank them for the award,” the kora maestro told the Arts and Culture. On his life as a musician, Jaliba Kuyateh expressed deep sense of appreciation and gratitude over the pace of development registered in transforming and modernising the art of kora music in the country.

He noted that kora playing has seen a remarkable transformation in the history of the country and beyond thanks to the continuous support and commitment received from the people in the country and beyond.

2010 prospects
 For Jaliba Kuyateh, the year 2010 has begun with blessings for him as could be seen in his receiving of two awards within the first two weeks of the new year. According to him, the first award came from the News and Report Magazine by awarding him as ‘Man of the year 2009’, followed by his nomination in the list of those supposed to receive national awards from the Gambian leader, President Jammeh. “I am grateful to the Gambian leader’s decision for selecting me to receive such an important national award. I have nothing else than to say thank you Mr President for the good move. I respect and honour his decision,” Jaliba remarked. He described the Gambian leader as a leader with a difference, noting that the president loves the country and her people, that he always wants the best for Gambians.

New album
 “I will soon release an eight-track album in the market. The tracks will be available on both cassette and CDs to be sold in almost all studious and other recording places across the length and breadth of the country. The songs are very interesting and everyone would like to get a copy because powerful messages are contained in the melodious sound tracks,” he said.

However, the King of Kora revealed the way and manner he managed to play at different places at different times  in a single day. He explained in detailed as to how he coped with high demands from his fans and music lovers, saying this is possible through careful and well coordinated arrangements he usually made with organisers of programmes. “Programme coordinators usually engage in a strong agreement as to the time, place and departure from each of the programme. It has not been easy playing at different places at different times, but with commitment and the desire to satisfy all, we do make it as expected,” he explained with precision and clarity, whilst assuring Gambians of his resolve to deliver as expected.