From left: Saxophonist Manu Dibango; Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Jean Claude Gakosso, and Katara General Manager Khalid Al Sulaiti at the press conference at Katara, yesterday. Abdul Basit
BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Congo Brazzaville looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Qatar in various fields, says Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Jean Claude Gakosso.
“We are looking forward to enhancing our relationship with Qatar not only in the economic field but in education, culture and other areas of cooperation,” said Gakosso at a press meet yesterday at Katara.
He along with a delegation of artists is in Doha for the inaugural Katara African Festival under the title ‘Africa in the village of inspiration’ featuring various activities celebrating the diversity of African culture and arts. The Minister lauded the countries’ achievements in various fields and their cordial relations as shown with recent reciprocal visits of officials.
African continent, he said, has contributed to the civilization of humanity from arts to music to literature.
“African music has deeply influenced the world of music from blues to jazz, transcending cultures and places from the US to countries in South America,” he said, adding “African culture is the only value we will not lose and will remain.”
World renowned saxophonist Manu Dibango, who featured in a concert yesterday night, shared the same view saying the impact of African culture and arts is evident in every country where African community is present.
Thanking Qatar for organising the festival, Gakosso said, “We are delighted to be here in Qatar, the festival serves as a platform for knowledge exchange allowing us to share our culture through music, arts, dance and film. The festival has brought together communities who share similar cultures and allows them to celebrate as one. We look forward to collaborating with Qatar on future projects.”
Gakosso also delivered a lecture on ‘African Music —Vector of Authenticity and Factor of Emergence’ yesterday in Katara. The seven-day festival, which concludes tomorrow, showcases the best of African art, dance, music and film. The festival in particular features African arts fair and art workshops, circus, Cine Zone, African Parade Caravanes des Rhythmes and Kids Zone among others.
Katara General Manager Khalid Al Sulaiti said, “We are delighted to see thousands attending the events and activities which celebrate all aspects of African culture. The festival represents the emerging cultural community of Qatar, bringing together people from all corners of the earth.”
The Peninsula
