The president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh Thursday donated the sum of D260, 000 to Jali Kebba Kuyateh, a Gambiankora musician.

The money was presented to the beneficiary on behalf of the Gambian leader by the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, at her office, at State House. It is earmarked to help the musician develop himself as a Kora player and also complement his efforts in the music field.

Handing over the money, VP Njie-Saidy applauded the president for complementing Jali Kebba’s efforts, saying that the president normally doesn’t forget all the good deeds people do for him.“He remembers what you have done and decides to reward you for it,” she said. She reminded the gathering that the president does give a lot noting that some are done publicly while others are done privately. She also used the opportunity to expressed her deep sorrow toKuyateh over his burnt vehicle.

VP Njie-Saidy acknowledged that Kuyateh never demands for payment whenever she goes on tour with the APRC. “You love the president and the APRC and the president has not forgotten you,” she assured him. She finally commended the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for implementing the copyright laws in music and urged all musicians in the country to unite behind the Centre.

For her part, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, the minister of Tourism and Culture described Jali Kebba Kuyateh as someone who has been very loyal to the APRC and the Gambian leader. She also acknowledged the fact Kuyateh used to join them in almost all the tours and never asks for payment. “He is a kind of singer who is interested in national development,” she added.

On his part, Kuyateh thanked President Jammeh for the gift, saying that whatever he does, he does it out of the unflinching love he has for the president regardless of money. “He came in a generation of mine and I will follow him and all those who follow him as well,” he pledged. He finally paid tribute to Jaliba Kuyateh, a man he described as his master and who taught him how to play the Kora.