By Alieu Ceesay
In the heart of The Gambia, where oral traditions weave the fabric of community, Sukai Mbye Bojang has emerged as a literary beacon, transforming bedtime tales into a legacy of published works that inspire and educate. As one of the nation’s most prolific authors, Sukai’s journey from crafting educational books to immortalizing folk tales reflects an unyielding passion for storytelling and a mission to preserve Gambian culture for generations to come.
Sukai’s writing odyssey began in 1986, when she and her husband set out to create educational books for children preparing for standard entrance examinations. Their publications, covering subjects like English, Mathematics, and Social Studies, became household staples across The Gambia. “We started with the common entrance books that were widely used and known in the country,” Sukai recalls, her voice brimming with pride. These books laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds.
Yet, her love for storytelling, sparked by her late grandmother’s enchanting bedtime tales, propelled Sukai into the world of folk tales. In 2008, she pursued a Master’s in Creative Writing and New Media at De Montfort University in the UK, determined to hone her craft. “I was so much interested in our folk stories, but I realized it’s a discipline that requires training,” she says. Her coursework birthed Folk Tales and Fables from The Gambia, Volume 1, published in 2009, a collection that brought Gambian stories to life. Among them is Kumba, a beloved tale of a donkey who transforms into a beautiful human, captivating young readers. “That story resonates a lot with Gambian children,” Sukai notes, her eyes lighting up.
Sukai’s storytelling evolved with each volume, as she wove richer dialogues and deeper narratives into her work. “From the first book, I felt they were too short,” she admits. “Gradually, I started changing how I wrote, including more dialogue.” Her dedication to growth has resulted in nearly 50 published stories, each a testament to her commitment to quality and cultural preservation.
Despite her triumphs, Sukai acknowledges writing challenges in The Gambia, where a perceived lack of reading culture poses hurdles. “They say Gambians don’t have a reading population, but it depends on your target audience,” she counters with optimism. By crafting stories that resonate locally and appeal globally, Sukai is breaking barriers and proving that Gambian literature has a place on the world stage.
Balancing the art of storytelling with the realities of publishing, Sukai remains a tireless advocate for excellence. She collaborates with editors, seeks feedback, and refines her craft with every story. Her advice to aspiring writers is practical and inspiring: “Writing stories is not something you can just jump into. Get training first, then join.”
Sukai Mbye Bojang’s journey is more than a personal triumph; it is a clarion call to preserve culture, ignite young imaginations, and elevate Gambian voices. With every tale she pens, she weaves a tapestry of heritage that connects the past to the future. As she continues to inspire, Sukai hopes to see more Gambian writers embrace their creativity and share their stories with the world. Her legacy is not just in the books she writes but in the dreams she sparks, proving that stories, like the culture they carry, are timeless.
