2023-07-01 22:03:54
On the occasion of International Reggae Day, celebrated on July 1 each year, Aly Baba, Secretary General of the Rasta Movement of Guinea (Mourag) gave an interview to the Guinee360.com editorial staff. The reggae artist Man evokes the origin of Mourag, its evolution, its activities and its interconnection with the rest of the African reggae movements. He also discusses Mourag’s ambitions for the year 2023.
Guinee360.com: July 1st is dedicated to reggae music, what does the Rasta Movement of Guinea plan for this occasion?
Ali Baba: The 1st of July represents for us a day of diffusion of reggae music all over the world, it is regarding playing reggae and spreading the message of the great icons of reggae. On this day, we usually organize a dinner with the citizens accompanied by a sound system.
What message are you sending on July 1st?
On the occasion of this International Reggae Day, I invite all lovers of reggae music to listen to this music, because it is music full of positive messages and a call for unity.
Tell us regarding the history of the Rasta Movement in Guinea?
The Rasta Movement of Guinea for short (Mourag) was created in 1992 by our elders. These are Fori Youla, Jah Max Mara and Alpha Wess, etc.
The Rastafarian Movement of Guinea aims to inform the people regarding Rastafari, bring out the cultural identity of Africa, promote and defend economic, educational, cultural, spiritual, dietary and ecological development; concretize African unity; initiated projects; to defend peace, justice and love among all men.
How is the Rasta Movement in Guinea doing today?
The Rasta Movement of Guinea (Mourag) is doing very well, as we try to widen the connection around the world. Today we are members of the Rastafari Continental Council (RCC). The Mourag has a headquarters in Kindia of 6 hectares, called Kurukafuwa or the Rasta Village.
How are Mourag’s activities evolving?
Our activities are progressing like clockwork through our contributions and the support of a few honorary members. Only, we need the support of the State through the Ministry of Culture, because it is not easy in the execution of our activities.
What are the action plans of the Rasta Movement of Guinea and these areas of intervention in Guinea?
First, the Rasta Movement of Guinea (Mourag) is officially established, we are only recognized by the State through our commitment and our activities carried out on the ground in the Republic of Guinea and internationally. Denounce, raise awareness, promote peace and unity.
This year, we have a very busy action plan:
– The organization of a day of solidarity with migrants;
– Preparations for the Pan-African integration festival;
– The Pan-African pilgrimage, that is to say, reminding our founding fathers of independence;
– The Mourag Zion tour (which aims to raise public awareness of environmental protection);
– Carnival on African unity in Boké on May 25 (reforestation awareness).
What relationship does the Rasta Movement of Guinea share with the rest of the other Rastas in the sub-region and around the world?
Nowadays, we are members of a very big Rastafari federation in the RCC world, ECOWAS, we participate in reggae festivals in Germany through the current president Gbasikolo Faro Konaté who resides between Guinea and Germany. Last year we were at the 4th International Rastafari Summit in Ghana.
How do you view Guinean and African reggae?
The reggae industry is a bit small, it takes synergy and a big reggae festival. This is why we initiated this year the pan-African festival of integration. You need sound systems for a good promotion of reggae registered in the world heritage of UNESCO.
What future for the Rasta Movement of Guinea (Mourag)?
The future of Mourag is very promising, because the foundation is solid and overnight, there are new members. You can imagine for how many years, it is the first civil society in Guinea, so this heritage will never die. You can imagine for how many years, it is the first civil society in Guinea, so this heritage will never die.
Your final word?
Finally, I thank the Guinee360.com site for this interview and I wish an excellent reading to all your readers. Thank you also dear Moustapha Barry. One Love. Peace and love!
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