Under a heavy sky and the weight of collective grief, hundreds of mourners gathered in the quiet village of Niani Sukuta in the Central River Region to bid a final farewell to Pa Barrow, the 39-year-old award-winning sports journalist whose sudden death has shaken The Gambia’s media and sporting worlds.
The funeral, held Saturday afternoon, drew family members, colleagues from Afri Radio and The Alkamba Times, fellow journalists, football administrators, former players, and fans who travelled from Banjul, Serrekunda, and beyond to pay their respects. Islamic rites were observed as the much-loved broadcaster and writer was laid to rest in his native soil amid prayers, tears, and heartfelt tributes.
Pa Barrow died in the early hours of Saturday at his home. Colleagues who spoke with him on Friday night said he showed no signs of illness and had been excitedly planning upcoming sports coverage. The abruptness of his passing left the nation stunned.
“Pa wasn’t just a reporter; he was the soul of our stories,” said Omar Jarju, President of the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG), during an emotional eulogy at the burial ground. “He lived and breathed Gambian sport, especially at the grassroots. Today we have lost a brother, a mentor, and a giant.”
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) described Barrow as “a brilliant sports journalist who contributed immensely to sports development in the country.” GPU President Isatou Keita added, “His calm, disciplined, and humble nature made him beloved by everyone he worked with.”
For the past six years, Barrow co-hosted the popular Africell Sports Show on Afri Radio, a programme that won Television and Radio Awards. He was previously a key voice at West Coast Radio and a regular, highly respected contributor to The Alkamba Times sports desk. In 2021, he was a finalist for Sports Reporter of the Year at the prestigious GPU National Journalism Awards.
Beyond the microphone and the byline, Barrow served as media officer for the KM Regional Football Association, Hawks Football Club, the Gambia Amputee Football Team, and North Star Football Academy, roles in which he tirelessly promoted local talent.
Tributes poured in throughout the day. Afri Radio colleague Lamin Del Fadera called him “calm, disciplined, and humble,” while Sang Wisdom Mendy, Managing Director of the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), said it was “hard to believe that such a creative, determined, and hardworking young man who was doing extremely well for himself and for Gambian sport is gone.”
Perhaps the most moving tribute came from Sainey MK Marenah, founder and editor of The Alkamba Times, who posted a heartfelt open letter that quickly spread across social media:
“I lost a brother and dependable colleague, Pa Barrow… You called me Chief even though we both knew you were the real boss of sports reporting… You didn’t just write stories; you carried people in them. The young striker from Brikama, the wrestler from Farafenni, the female footballer fighting for respect; you made sure their dreams were told loud and clear… This morning, the desk looks too big without your notebook and that old Afri Radio cap you always wore backwards.”
As the sun set over Niani Sukuta, mourners lingered at the graveside, exchanging stories of late-night match reports, passionate debates over team selections, and Pa Barrow’s trademark laugh that could light up any press box.
The Gambia has lost one of its brightest chroniclers of sport, but his voice will echo in stadiums, village pitches, and media houses across the country for years to come.
The Gambia Press Union, SJAG, Afri Radio, and The Alkamba Times have all extended profound condolences to Pa Barrow’s family. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find strength in the legacy he leaves behind.
