#MigrantJourney

healing through storytelling/writing is no new thing. It’s been around for a long time, and what’s interesting is how fast it helps anyone to make peace with their painful past experiences and memories like migration and any other forceful displacement.

Storytelling has been an integral part of my life—woven into my identity and deeply rooted in my Gambian heritage. Growing up, I was surrounded by the oral traditions of my ancestors, passed down by griots—the keepers of our history, culture, and wisdom.

These stories were more than just entertainment; they were the foundation of our collective memory, shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it. You can always change where you live, physically and psychologically,  but do you want to change your cultures and traditions or swap them because you migrated to somewhere else… I doubt that you will.

My Migration Story: Finding Strength in Storytelling

Leaving The Gambia was one of the most complex decisions I ever made. Migration is often painted as a journey of hope but comes with sacrifices—leaving behind family, friends, and the familiarity of home. The transition to a new land came with challenges: learning a new language, adjusting to different cultural norms, and finding footing in an unfamiliar world.

Yet, amidst the struggle, storytelling became my anchor; although I am not a griot by birth, I must convey what I know and feel. It allowed me to process my emotions, reflect on my journey, and connect with others who shared similar experiences. Writing was more than just self-expression—it became a way to heal, make sense of my trip, and find peace with the sacrifices I had made. Through my words, I discovered I was not alone; my story was one of many, a thread in the vast ocean of migration and resilience.

The Power of Storytelling in Healing

Storytelling has the unique ability to foster empathy, break barriers, and create connections. By sharing my personal experiences, I hope to offer solace to others navigating similar paths. Migration is not just about moving from one place to another; it is about transformation, adaptation, and self-discovery. Through storytelling, we voice emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken, helping ourselves and others heal.

As an African storyteller, I aim to preserve our history, honour our struggles, and celebrate our triumphs through words. Whether spoken or written, our stories matter—they shape our identities, challenge narratives, and ensure that our voices are heard.

Il Deserto Non Ha Cielo: A Story of Migration and Resilience

If my journey resonates with you, I invite you to read my book, Il Deserto Non Ha Cielo. This memoir captures migration’s emotional highs and lows, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the resilience required to build a new life in an unfamiliar world.

In Il Deserto Non Ha Cielo, I share my experiences leaving The Gambia for Italy, my challenges, and how storytelling became my sanctuary. It is a book for anyone who has ever felt displaced, struggled with identity, or sought to find meaning in their journey.

📖 Click here to buy Il Deserto Non Ha Cielo!

Preserving African Languages in Literature

African literature is a rich and diverse tapestry, yet colonial ones have overshadowed indigenous languages for too long. As an African writer, embracing and preserving our native languages is crucial to keeping our culture alive. Language is more than communication—it carries history, identity, and the soul of a people.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, in Decolonising the Mind, argues that our cultures colour our thoughts, which shapes our worldview. When we write in indigenous tongues, we reclaim our narratives and celebrate our authenticity. Frantz Fanon also emphasised that colonial languages have been used as tools of assimilation, eroding the cultural roots of African societies.

However, there is hope. A growing movement of African writers is reclaiming their linguistic heritage and integrating native languages into literature, music, and digital media. The rise of technology offers new opportunities to make African languages more accessible to global audiences through translations, multilingual eBooks, and storytelling platforms.

As African writers, we must champion our languages and keep them alive for future generations. Doing so ensures that our stories remain true to our heritage and continue to inspire the world.

Join Me on This Storytelling Journey

I am passionate about using storytelling to bridge cultural divides, inspire change, and celebrate the beauty of African narratives. If you love African literature and want to explore storytelling, migration, and cultural preservation more, I invite you to stay connected with me.

By signing up for my newsletter, you’ll receive exclusive insights into my writing, updates on upcoming books, and discussions on the power of African storytelling. You’ll also be the first to know about my next published book!

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Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s celebrate the power of storytelling and the choices that keep our culture alive.