Jaliba Kuyateh is one of the many Senegambian musicians that sung the praises of former President Jammeh when he was at the peak of his power.

During an interview with Kerr Fatou, Jaliba revealed he recorded the song, “President Jammeh” to save himself from the former leader’s brutality. Whether or not his life was under any credible threat at the time, we'd have to wait and see tomorrow when the full interview features on GRTS.

The popular Kora player came under heavy criticism from pro-democracy activists for patronizing the former hard-line ruler while ignoring his heavy-handedness and rights abuses.

However, Jaliba sounded apologetic and regretful cosying up to Jammeh.

The song which was regularly played on GRTS became the APRC party’s campaign song.  Subsequently, it drew mixed reactions from the people. It garnered more than 180,000 views on YouTube with the Kora musician winning praise from Jammeh loyalists.

However, opposition politicians and critics of the former regime –most of them in the Diaspora—condemned the song and Jaliba’s regular appearances at concerts organised by the former president.

Jaliba’s full interview with Kerr Fatou is coming tomorrow on GRTS!