The 1st Edition of Festival of the Islands of Casamance was a successful at Niomoume Island of Casamance region in Senegal on 28-30th December, 2018 at Niomoume Island of Casamance region in Senegal.
This is first of its kind is a three days Arts and Culture organized by Art Events and Huile & Ad’ore under the theme: “Islands problems and peace of Casamance”
There was a symposium, traditional display, stage performance and exposition, Weuz Et Le Samara Senegal, various artistes from Niomoume Island, Guest artist is Sen Sagna, a cultural artist based in UK, a Dr. Anita Greenhill, Director Research Centre of Development Informatics, and Senior Lecturer People Management and Organisation at University of Manchester Alliance Manchester Business School.
Casamance, the southern part of Senegal, is home to an iconic, original and charming community, which those who have had the pleasure of visiting agree that it is truly unique and unlike any other.
The commune of Kafountine is composed of nineteen (19) villages of which fourteen (14) are islands. These islands are located on the left bank upstream of the Casamance river, south of the villages of the mainland They are divided into three geographical areas: The Karone Islands with Kassel as a village: Hillol, Mantate, Kouba and Combaloulou (05); Islands BlissKaroncomposed villages: Kailo, Boune, Boco and Saloulou (04); The islands of Bliss Cassa with Bakassouk: Haer, Hitou, Niomoune and Diogué (05) These islands have the same physical and socio-cultural characteristics. They are housed administratively, in the Department of Bignona, District of Kataba.
Ousmane Samoure, manager organiser of The Festival of the Islands of Casamance explained that he meet Sens Sagna in Facebook explained the concept of the festival to him.
According to him, Sens was convinced about the idea of the festival and explained it to Manchester University also subscribes to the ideas of festival.
He noted that Sens is a dancer; singer and choreographer as he is partnering with this festival for the sake of humanity want to give back to the community in needy.
“That is the reason Manchester University sent a delegate Dr. Anita Greenhill, to interact with people and see the realities on the ground and see how best they can help us to move forward,” he said.
Samoure, also manger of Art Events Casamance really needs support to develop, for this, beyond a coming together of people at such a cultural event will consolidated ‘Peace’.
Sens Sagna, Ambassador of Festival of the Islands of Casamance explained that when Ousman send him the project of festival he took it to the university they accept it.
He explained the concept of the festival to him he associated himself with it because it has a huge potential in future.
He stressed that festival can make this community well known, creates opportunities bring development across. He urged all to embrace the festival.
Dr. Anita Greenhill, said: “I am a university lecturer my background is management, sociology for the world to come together, this reason I embrace this festival is because of the idea of unity and peace,”.
She added: “I see the pressing issues like the ocean is evading your land, while you continue debating the big problems it is important to realize the opportunities around, so the biggest opportunities you have is in your unity and ability to organized such a festival with people strong like Ousman and your elders”
“This is the reason the Manchester Business School is pleased to associate itself with this festival, there are many possibilities of solutions to their problems, but it requires hard work,” Anita who also doubles as Manager of the festival.
She noted that the opportunities with festival can work around environmental issues culture, social and traditional. She commended the organizers for wonderful job in the maiden edition.
Anne Marie Jeanne Bassene, Director of SOS Casamance Zinczinchor said they intent to used art to transform the society. She advised the community to take ownership of their destiny rather than relied on the government for development.
Jeanne Bassene, who is also the Queen of the Festival, urged the community to embrace the festival with unity and togetherness for the benefit of the community.
Author: Bakary Ceesay
