I first heard about the Roots Homecoming Festival late last year and decided to find out more. It occurred to me that more people should be made aware of the event and so I approached my boss with the idea of making a documentary. The establishment of the Roots Homecoming Festival five years ago grew out of interest around Alex Haley's 1970's book and TV epic "Roots". "'Roots" was about the author's efforts to discover more about his ancestors. The book follows his ancestor, Kunte Kinteh, from his removal from his homeland, his transportation to America and the life that follows. It documents his experiences in bondage, and the stories of his descendants. The book had a huge impact when it came out. Now almost 30 years on it is still cited as a major reason for people to visit the Gambia. People still make the journey to try to discover their origins, heritage and cultural identity. Before I share some of the Roots Homecoming Festival experiences from our seven days in the Gambia here's a quick run down on the place itself. | Gambia is the oldest English-speaking country in West Africa | | It is home to four main tribes - Mandika, Wolof, Fula and Jola. | | It's surrounded on all but it's seaboard side with Senegal. | | It stretches 300 miles inland, but is only 30 miles wide at it's widest point. | | The majority of the population are Muslims. | | Since independence it's built a reputation for sustainable tourism as a way of maintaining its natural beauty and varied wildlife. |
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