The Gambia Christian People’s Association Has Done It Again!!!

Saturday August 15, 2009 saw another night of fun and dance in Atlanta in what turned out to be one of the best parties the Christian Organization has put up in recent memory.  The party which started pretty early for a Gambian event, went late into the wee hours of Sunday morning.   Our own Father Gough was there to grace the organization.

As always, Sang Marie has been a day of not only church going and consuming “nan burru” but also a day for our Christian brothers and sisters to join their Muslim counterparts to enjoy what are always joyous gatherings.  At least that is the Gambian tradition.

  Well, the Christian group in Atlanta true to form delivered on that age old tradition.  Father Gough of course put the icing on the cake.  On this day, DJ Solomon was there with the crew to make the trip to Candler Road worth the while.  The crowded hall seemed like an indictment of the size of the venue but the great number of people that attended was after all the culprit – people came in hundreds.   

While I sat there watching the dancers do their thing, I saw Sunny Joiner who is the head of the organization show the younger crowd how souk was danced in the good old days.  Victor Sambou obviously didn’t want to be outdone.  Just when we thought the fun was over, slowly in walked the “fairy”. 

The cultural display I witnessed and the accompanying music and chants from the rest of the crowd will stay with me forever.  This was true Gambian culture at its best. 

Filing out of the hall early that Sunday morning to go and catch some sleep, I thought “wow, what a wonderful night”.  It sure will be hard to top this year’s party but well if history is any indication, the Christian People’s Association will surely deliver yet again another superb celebration of Sang Marie next year. 

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, yours truly will grace the occasion once again.  With a great sense of pride, I say bravo to the volunteers!!!