Wisdom of the Jola

Saikou’s father, a respected and community-oriented leader, served in The Gambia Armed Forces under the presidential guard and was part of the president’s escort team. During his military service, he acquired the rank of Sergeant Major. In this photo, he is seen presenting certificates to participants during a local community event.

Wisdom of the Jola – Tradition, Loyalty and Soul Power

The Jola are a tribe mainly found in the south of Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. They also live in smaller communities across the region. Traditionally, they are farmers — deeply connected to the land and everything that involves agriculture.

What makes the Jola spiritually unique?

Jola spirituality is unique because of its deep connection to nature and ancestral belief. It places strong emphasis on the well-being of the community and blends naturally with modern healing practices, Islam, and Christianity.

They believe in a supreme being — Ati Amet, which means "Almighty God." Some also believe in Sinaati — spirits or idols believed to protect family and community matters.

Rituals are often organized in the form of celebrations, where masked figures like the Samaye, Kumpo, Agomela, and Aniase perform during festivals, ceremonies, or funerals. The Jola believe in one God, but also in many spirits connected to specific places, natural phenomena, and daily life.

What can others learn from the Jola?

There is so much to learn from the Jola — about resilience, community life, and living in harmony with nature.

Their focus on kinship, tradition, and cooperation offers valuable insights into building socially resilient communities. They always stand by each other, in both joyful and difficult times.

What people mainly learn: the Jola believe in who they are. They never allow themselves to be underestimated. They give respect, but they don’t let anyone take advantage of them.

Historically, they are the only tribe known to have resisted enslavement by Western colonial powers. They are known for saying “no” to anything that doesn't serve them. Their philosophy of life is simple: live humbly, appreciate what you have, and share with those in need.

Can visitors witness Jola rituals?

Yes, they can. There are open festivals, initiation rites into the "secret bush," and celebrations when the initiates return after several weeks or a month.

Some rituals are private and not open to outsiders, but many ceremonies are welcoming and inclusive.

Saikou’s mother, a strong and independent businesswoman, selling vegetables at the market in The Gambia. Known for her resilience and dedication to her community.

My story – by Saikou Jatta

I am a Jola, from the southern part of The Gambia, born and raised in a village called Berending. A beautiful place where many different tribes live together: Jola, Mandinka, Fula, Karouninka, Manjago, and others.

Our village is known for its hospitality. My parents are well-respected members of the community. My father was a soldier in the First Republic of The Gambia and part of the presidential escort team. He was dedicated to his work and earned the rank of Sergeant Major. He helped many young people in the village and surrounding areas to find employment and even supported some to go abroad.

My mother is a businesswoman. I’ve always known her as a go-getter — someone who never depended on anyone but what she sold. I remember us carrying coolers filled with ice cream to sell in Bundung and Serekunda. Sometimes, she would go out selling while I stayed home cooking rice, so she could make the sauce when she returned. She is also a caring and community-minded woman who still helps others to this day.

From them, I inherited kindness. I love helping people and being there when I’m needed.

I did my basic and secondary schooling in the village, but I dropped out when my father lost his job in the late 1980s. I decided to look for work to support myself and my parents.

I applied to the police and immigration services, but wasn’t accepted. I sent a job application to the newly opened Bamboo Hotel, but the director kept stalling me until I gave up. Around that time, I met an American man named Malick Camara, who said I looked like an American boy. He became my sponsor during high school.

Later, I went to Dakar to visit relatives and stayed for almost half a year. Then I heard my mother had returned from Freetown after eight years. Before returning, I had a dream in which I was holding a microphone, speaking to a large audience. I told my stepfather about it, but he had no idea what it meant.

Back in The Gambia, I had a joyful reunion with my mother. I came to realize the dream I got - while in Dakar - about me holding a microphone has something to do with me working on the radiostation and also as a tour guide. One day I was listening to a radio show and felt moved by the presenter. I applied to the station and was hired — I worked as a radio presenter for a long time.

Eventually, I quit due to something I couldn't cope with. It became too heavy for me. I decided to move to Abéné — a village where I didn’t know anyone. In a shop, I met a man who had lived there for years. He introduced me to a family who took me in and treated me as one of their own.

I searched for work and eventually met Simon Fenton, a British photographer. We became close friends. I helped him write his books. Later, he told me about two project ideas: opening a photo studio or offering adventure tours. I chose the travel idea — and that’s what he had hoped for.

I went to the islands to collect information, shared it with him, and he published it on his website. Visitors started coming, but he didn’t involve me in the actual work. That felt like betrayal. I let it go.

Months later, I heard about his death. His wife asked me to continue the work. I gladly accepted. I helped visitors, arranged ferry and flight tickets, and promoted Abéné. But over time, the collaboration didn’t feel right anymore, so I decided to go my own way.

Then a friend who had known Maureen for many years recommended me to her. When we connected, we realized our dreams were aligned.

And here we are. Ready to welcome you!

🌿 Sunrise Senegal is built on stories like this – rooted in tradition, shaped by resilience, and guided by soul. You are welcome.