African-American actor LeVar Burton, famed for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the 1977 television classic Roots, is set to be honoured as Honourary Paramount Chief of Niumi, the ancestral homeland of Kunta Kinte, in The Gambia.

The announcement followed a virtual meeting held on 1 October 2025 between Mr. Burton and officials from the Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia.

The meeting, led by Deputy Chief of Mission Rtd Gen. Yakuba A. Drammeh, formally conveyed the government’s invitation for the actor to attend the 2026 Roots Festival, scheduled for May under the theme “Freedom, Resilience and Cultural Identity.”

Mr. Burton’s powerful portrayal of Kunta Kinte has left an enduring cultural legacy, linking The Gambia to the global story of African resilience and identity. 

Drammeh said the Gambian government deeply values Burton’s contribution to shaping global understanding of the transatlantic slave trade and African heritage.

Dr. Adama Bah, Chairman and Co-founder of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia, confirmed that the proposal to bestow the honorary chieftaincy title has already been endorsed by the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Burton said he was honoured to be part of the initiative to rebrand and promote The Gambia internationally. He also confirmed plans to spend at least a week in the country during the Roots Festival.

Mr. Chike Nwoffiah, Founding Director of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, added that Burton’s visit would strengthen cultural exchange and collaboration. 

He also revealed plans to connect the actor with renowned Gambian kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh to explore joint efforts in promoting The Gambia’s artistic heritage.