By Adama Makasuba
Sweden-based Gambian cultural singer Sulayman Ceesay, who has been shaping Gambian culture in Europe and other parts of the world, urged fellow Gambians, especially those living abroad, to empower their cultures to keep their children acquainted with their cultures.
Sulayman Ceesay, also known as ‘Tiyakeresato,’ explained the importance of culture to oneself, adding that it helps one to know their history. “We traveled to the West, but we understand that our cultures are being left behind because not many people know about our cultures. So many children born to Gambian parents can’t speak their language, and I blame those parents for being careless in teaching their children their mother tongue.”
“Because other tribes like the Arabs and Somalians teach their children their language. We should uphold our cultures and customs so our children will not be lost. That’s why we also take it upon ourselves to rejuvenate our cultures to ensure that the coming generation finds the cultures well prepared for them. You would even bear children in the Western world, and those children will be able to speak your language. And it’s the fundamental right of those children for their parents to teach them their language,” he said.
