Africa-Press – Gambia. The fourth edition of the Futampaf International Cultural Festival attracted thousands of participants and dignitaries as the three-day event concluded on Sunday in Bwiam, in the West Coast Region of The Gambia.
The annual festival, organised by the Kansala Trust Organization in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), brought together cultural troupes from Senegal and other countries to showcase traditional performances and celebrate The Gambia’s cultural heritage.
The event drew a large audience, including government ministers, members of the National Assembly, local government officials, representatives of cultural institutions, international researchers, members of the media, and visitors from neighbouring countries.
Held from 27 to 29 March 2026, the festival took place in an open space to accommodate the large turnout and facilitate cultural displays. Participating groups included Butusab, Ouwank, Thionck Essyl, Fulla Acrobatic Group, Bwiam Tolay Kafo, Ama Samba Drumming Group, Surumbaas, Cannon Shot Groups, as well as Kankurang groups and traditional wrestlers, some of whom received awards.
Beyond entertainment, organisers said the festival aims to promote unity among communities and contribute to the preservation of The Gambia’s intangible cultural heritage.
Opening the festival, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abdoulie Jobe, speaking on behalf of Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives.
He commended the Kansala Trust Organization for its efforts in organising the event and said government support is intended to help develop the festival into a major cultural event at both national and international levels.
Jobe also welcomed the participation of cultural groups from Senegal’s Casamance region, highlighting the importance of strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
The National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almamy Gibba, underscored the role of culture in fostering unity, tolerance and mutual respect among diverse communities.
“Culture teaches respect, tolerance and belonging. In regions like ours with diverse tribes, culture remains the strongest instrument for unity,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Kansala Trust Organization, Ousman Jarjou, said the festival seeks to preserve the Futampaf cultural heritage, believed to date back more than 600 years.
He added that the 2026 edition, held under the theme “The Foni Region Will Live to Remember,” emphasised the need to safeguard Jola culture and language.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, the council’s Vice Chairman reaffirmed continued financial support for the festival and encouraged residents to fulfil their civic responsibilities, including tax payment, to support local development.
The Futampaf International Cultural Festival is regarded as an important platform for promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Foni and The Gambia.
