By Abdoulie Daffeh
The Keseng Keseng Cultural Group of Brikama Wellingara has called on Gambians to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage, warning that traditional values are gradually eroding amid modernisation.
Speaking to this medium, the group’s head, Mba Fenda Jassey, expressed concern that many young people were abandoning Gambian traditions and urged citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace their cultural heritage as a symbol of identity and unity.
The group also called on parents to take greater responsibility for raising and disciplining their children, stressing that proper cultural upbringing and family guidance were essential to building stable families and communities.
Keseng Keseng further appealed to the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide support to enable it to sustain its cultural activities.
The group said that despite more than 35 years of promoting Gambian culture at local and national events, it had yet to receive meaningful assistance.
“We have been here for over 35 years promoting our culture without help. We are calling on the government and NGOs to come to our aid so we can continue to keep our culture alive,” a spokesperson for the group said.
According to the group, shortages of musical instruments, traditional costumes and transportation have posed major challenges to its activities.
Keseng Keseng is among the longstanding cultural groups in Brikama, using traditional songs, dance and drama to entertain audiences while promoting cultural education and awareness.
The group said sustained support would help preserve its activities and enable it to continue passing Gambian cultural traditions on to younger generations.