By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Gambian international kora maestro Sona Jobarteh has been selected to receive the Silicon Valley Africa Film Festival (SVAFF) Icon Award, festival founder and CEO Chike C. Nwoffiah has announced.
Nwoffiah said in an exclusive interview with The ALKAMBA Times that the honor recognizes artists who excel in their fields while contributing to Africa beyond the spotlight. He said Jobarteh was chosen for her musical achievements and for founding the Gambia Academy, which promotes authentically African education.
“The Icon Award recognizes individuals who excel in their creative fields while also contributing positively to Africa outside the spotlight,” Nwoffiah said. “This year’s recipient is Dr. Sona Jobarteh, recognized for her musical achievements and her work establishing the Gambia Music Academy.”
He added that her work over the years had earned the endorsement of the festival’s board of directors, including efforts to challenge colonial mindsets by providing African-centered education to younger generations.
SVAFF was created to counter negative stereotypes about Africa and to give African filmmakers a global platform. This year’s edition will run from 9 to 11 October 2026 and will screen 76 films from 33 countries across the continent. Nwoffiah described the festival as a home for African filmmakers, offering rare access to technology companies such as Adobe and YouTube
He said securing visas and covering travel costs to California remain major obstacles for many African filmmakers. The festival, he added, treats participating artists as “royalty” and works to connect them directly with major tech firms.
Nwoffiah argued that governments and corporations should fund grant programs to create a more enabling environment for African artists and storytellers. He said filmmakers should be treated as a protected class to strengthen cultural diplomacy and attract investment.
He also called for transparent film-permit processes and laws that support growth of the creative industry.
The festival plans to bring participants to Africa, mentor filmmakers, and explore helping to establish a film festival in The Gambia. Other planned steps include a WhatsApp group for the “class of 2026,” a “Home to Africa” trip to The Gambia in May for Silicon Valley visitors, possible master classes and workshops, and training opportunities for staff from The Gambia’s ITC at the California event. Nwoffiah also encouraged the Gambian government to consider a “Spotlight Gambia” at a future edition, including a delegation and meetings with Silicon Valley companies.
SVAFF’s partnership with Sunu Reew Medical Mission, he said, reflects a traditional African approach that integrates multiple skills rather than separating them. In The Gambia, the collaboration will help curate medical stories and screen educational films on health issues including diabetes and hypertension, supporting Sunu Reew’s outreach.
Nwoffiah said the festival will continue to back Sunu Reew’s expansion to other African countries and can offer landing space through its alum network.
He emphasized that diaspora engagement should go beyond financial support. He praised Sunu Reew’s work with both recent and historical diaspora communities, including African Americans and African Caribbeans, in support of The Gambia.
Together, the Icon Award, the October festival, and the health-and-culture partnership present SVAFF’s bid to link African storytelling, education, and development on a global stage.
