Atlanta man ties the knot in New Jersey with Kabba’s Daughter
For Anthony Charles Labor, the search for the right woman came to an end when he met the daughter of former president of the Republic of Sierra Leone Alhaji Ahmed Tejan-Kabba, in Somerset, New Jersey. In keeping with Sherbro custom and tradition, and adhering to strict Madingo Islamic principle of marriage before living with a woman, Anthony Labor wasted no time. This past Saturday, October 23, 2010, he tied the knot with his heartthrob of less than a year – the graceful and delectable Adama Kabba at the Dawatul Islamia Masjid on Churchill Avenue in Somerset, New Jersey.
Though President Kabba was not present at the Nikua (Muslim wedding ceremony) he was represented by his wife, Mrs. Iye J. Kabba. The wedding ceremony was also witnessed by many relatives of both the bride and the groom. The turnout of relatives and friends of both the bride and the groom was just phenomenal! Many came from all across the US to witness the Muslim ceremony and the reception that was held at the Holy Trinity Church Banquet Hall, South River, New Jersey.
“Mr. Labor must count himself as one of the luckiest men on earth. He is not only married to the daughter of a former president, but to a very pretty, young lady,” said one New Brunswick resident who was present at the gala reception. Speaker after speaker at the reception spoke glowingly about the bride. Not only is she modest and unassuming, but very respectful and obedient. At Salone Market on Route 27 in Somerset, New Jersey, where she has worked for over a year, she has been very courteous to customers. “Aside from that beautiful smile, she will take the time to chat with you; find out how you’re doing,’’ said one North Brunswick woman that frequents the store to buy African food stuff – who despite her busy work schedule, spared the time to attend the wedding on Saturday.
Mrs. Iye J. Kabba, in her remarks during the reception, expressed profound thanks and deep appreciation on behalf of her husband, Alhaji Ahmed Tejan-Kabba, and the entire family, to Alhaji Foday Koroma and Mrs. Fanta Koroma for standing in as parents of the bride, and for all that they have done for Adama Kabba. She thanked the Labor family for the wonderful demonstration of love for the bride and heartily welcomed the groom to the Kabba family. “We wholeheartedly support this union,” Mrs. Kabba, popularly known as IJ, assured the groom.
Haja Jarieu Fatima Bona, sister of the bride, said “there is not much I can say in the form of an advice to you as a younger sister,” because of the bride’s good upbringing that is deeply rooted in Islam. “I’m exceedingly proud of you, and your father is undoubtedly proud of you,” she said. She used the opportunity to thank Mr. and Mrs. Koroma of Salone Market for all that they have done for Adama. “May Allah richly reward you,” she prayed.
Ms. Nancy Kebe, in responding to a toast to the health of the bride by Mr. Shekuna Kamara, attested to the good family background of the bride, saying “she is a replica of her mother” – combining both beauty and a good character. “I’m proud of you and your mum is proud of you for all that you have done to make her happy.” She advised the newly wed to make it a point of duty to communicate. “Communication, understanding, and patience are important components to a successful marriage,” she emphasized.
Mr. Alimamy Akempta Kargbo, a friend of the groom since elementary school days in the 60s, gave the toast to the health of the groom. He described Mr. Labor as “a very selfless and hard working man” who will do his best to make his wife very happy. He congratulated the newly wed and wished them a happy marriage life.
Alhaji Foday Koroma, who stood in as father of the bride said: “What impressed me most about Adama is her deep religious conviction.” He described the bride as “a model of moral perfection; a devout Muslim, who prays five times a day.” Alhaji Koroma blessed the union and prayed for long life and prosperity. Mrs. Fanta Koroma, mother of the bride, said, among other things, for the benefit of all those present: “Let us don’t underestimate the power of God, and let’s don’t look down on anyone because we feel we’re superior,” alluding that Adama, though from a well-known and highly respected family, proved to be most simple and humble throughout the time she has been with them. She thanked all the New Jersey Women for their tremendous outpouring of support.
The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Frank Koroma, elder brother of the groom. He assured the family of the bride that she will be well cared for. “We as a family support this union hundred percent and we’ll do our best to live up to the expectations of the Kabba family,” Mr. Koroma assured. Sidiki Jibate, a popular musician, and renowned female singer Dusugba, fondly known as Wasa Wasa, performed at the wedding reception.
Alhaji Ibrahim Conteh, Chief Imam of Dawatul Islamia of Somerset, New Jersey, officiated at the wedding ceremony. He blessed the union and prayed for good health and long life for the newly wed. The Muslim ceremony was witnessed by a galaxy of religious dignitaries including erudite Ghanaian Islamic scholar, Sheik Abdul Razak. Mr. Matthew Kabba, a former president of the SLPP, Garden State Chapter, was chairman at the spectacular wedding reception that was graced by many Sierra Leoneans in the Somerset/New Brunswick area.
The groom, Mr. Anthony Charles Labor, who served in the Sierra Leone Military before coming to the US, is a Merchant Marine who has travelled to virtually all the continents. Overwhelmed with joy and happiness, he expressed his incalculable thanks and appreciation to all those who traveled from far and near to grace the wedding event. “I’m deeply thankful and grateful to you all. May God bless you all,” he concluded.
Immediately after the reception, the bride went round the hall, shaking hands and hugging the countless friends and relatives who attended the wedding. All along she has been guided by the advice of her father, President Kabba, who likes to use this common Krio proverb: “when you yams white, nar for cover am.” Indeed, she has strived to measure up to the expectations of her father who also taught her that:”If you don’t know where you’re going, make sure you remember where you’re coming from.” A very important advice for all young men and women!
By Dauda Bangura
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