THE 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG GAMBIAN WRITERS' IN 2018

People listed here are all citizens of The Republic of The Gambia living home and abroad. We do (on occasion) include those that have either lived within the country or abroad for most of their youthful life, or have made a significant contribution to The Gambia in their personal endeavors. 

The list is therefore prepared by The Young Writers' Association of The Gambia ( YWAG ),  and determined through their TALENT, PUBLICATION, CONTRIBUTION IN SOCIETY; and their INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM as either PUBLISHED or UNPUBLISHED WRITERS'/ ASPIRING WRITERS'. 

THE CRITERIA FOR THE LIST 

 The Young Writers' Association of The Gambia (YWAG) determined the list through the following:

1. PUBLICATION ( whether they PUBLISHED a Book or not )

2.  TALENT, 

3.CONTRIBUTION IN SOCIETY

4.  INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM

( GAMBIAN AUTHORS' ALREADY PUBLISHED IN AND OUTSIDE THE GAMBIA )

1. Modou Lamin Sowe well-known by his penname Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe alias ML: PUBLISHED AUTHOR: (  Renowed West African Writer, Scholar of Intellectual Property, Poet,  Prolific Playwright,  Novelist,  Actor, Filmmaker, Short Story Writer,  Librarian, Literary Blogger, and Bestselling Author ). Published in USA for his debut play "The Throne of The Ghost" ( ISBN9789789497133), and other books published in The Gambia and Self-published are: Spit of Misery, The Memories of Reflection, Love Incense, Don't Judge The Book By The Cover and Temple of Wisdom. 

2. Famara Fofana: PUBLISHED AUTHOR : ( Prolific Author, Novelist, Communications Specialist and renowed Journalist ). Published in The Gambia and known for his debut Short Story,  "When My Village Was My Village ".  He was also published in an anthology entitle: "The Long Road to Democracy in The Gambia" and his recent new released book, Recollections of an African Child .

3. Adam Nyang :  PUBLISHED AUTHOR : ( Prolific Author, Novelist and Short Story Writer). Published in The Gambia and known for her debut novel,  "Agonies and Misfortunes."

4. Ebrima B. Sawaneh PUBLISHED AUTHOR: ( Prolific Bestselling Author, Banker, Accountant, and Blogger). Self-published with Amazon and known for his debut book, " The 12 Proven Secrets To Pass Any Professional Exam At The First Sitting"

5.  Marabi S. Hydara alias Tha Poet: PUBLISHED AUTHOR: ( Prolific Author,  Clerk, Poet,  Short Story Writer, and Scholar ). Co-authored two books: "A Harvest of Gambian Lines", published in The UK, "The Long Road to Democracy in The Gambia", and also published in The Gambia and known for his debut poetry collection " Food for The Soul"

6. Isatou Jallow alias Berbie : PUBLISHED AUTHOR : ( Prolific Novelist and Short Story Writer ). Self-published on Wattap and known for her debut novel " The Weekend. "

7. Talibeh Hydara alias Talibeh Gibran Hydara : PUBLISHED AUTHOR: ( Prolific Journalist, Author,  Essayist,  Editor, Poet and Columnist). Co-authored a book published in The UK in an anthology entitle: " A Harvest of Gambian Lines"

8 .  Omar Cham alias Champion Poet : PUBLISHED AUTHOR :( Icon of Academics, Debater, Aspiring Novelist, Youth Volunteer, Prolific Poet, Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist, and Online Reporter).  Co-authored a book published in The UK in an anthology entitle: " A Harvest of Gambian Lines"

9.  Abdoulie Sandengba Jatta alias Sandengba: PUBLISHED AUTHOR : ( Renowed Journalist, Author, Short Story Writer,  and Prolific Poet). Co- authored a book published in The UK in an anthology entitle: " A Harvest of Gambian Lines", and also co-authored a book published in The Gambia for his debut " The Cubian Five"

10.  Satang Dumbuya: PUBLISHED AUTHOR : ( Prolific Poetess, Actress, Playwright,  Activist, and Lawyer ). Co- authored a book published in The UK in an anthology entitle: " A Harvest of Gambian Lines", and also co-authored a book published in The Gambia for her debut:  " The Cubian Five"

11.  Ousman M. Njie:  PUBLISHED AUTHOR :  ( Prolific Poet,  Short Story Writer, Spoken Word Artist, and Computer Science Analyst). Has published volumes of poems on "All-Poetry and Poetry Soup". He was also published in an anthology entitle: "The Long Road to Democracy in The Gambia".

12.  Fatoumatta Jallow: PUBLISHED AUTHOR : (Prolific  Short Story Writer and Novelist). Self-published on Wattap.

13. Muhammed Lamin Janneh: PUBLISHED AUTHOR: (Poet, Short Story Writer and Youth Leader ). Has published three poems with a Nigerian blog call "Germantominds.com". 

   ( UNPUBLISHED GAMBIAN AUTHORS AND ASPIRING WRITERS' IN AND OUTSIDE THE GAMBIA)

14.  Saikou Suwareh Jabai alias Prof. Jabai: UNPUBLISHED: ( Award-Winning Journalist and Prolific Climate Change Activist )

15.  Cherno Gaye : UNPUBLISHED : ( Prolific Poet, Aspiring Writer, Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist, and Youth Leader) 

16.  Lala Touray : UNPUBLISHED : (Prolific  Poet, Activist, Socialist, Feminist, Art Lover,  Environmentalist, Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist, and Book-worm)

17.   Lamin Barrow alias Tha Rainbow Poet:  UNPUBLISHED: ( Prolific Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist,  Poet, Art Lover,  Youth Leader and Aspiring Writer )

18.  Saidina Alieu Jarjou: UNPUBLISHED : (Prolific  Blogger, Youth Leader,  and Political Activist)

19.   Aja Rohey Fofana:  UNPUBLISHED: ( Prolific Poetess, Novelist, Playwright , Short Story Writer,  and Gender Activist) 

20.  Muhammed Lamin Drammeh Csay alias ML Csay : UNPUBLISHED : ( Prolific Poet, Debater, Youth Leader, and Aspiring Writer )

21.  Kalifa Jabbie alias Karl Tha Poet : UNPUBLISHED : (Prolific  Poet and Aspiring Writer )

22.  Sanaba Jawla : UNPUBLISHED : (Prolific Poet, Aspiring Writer, Actor, and Motivational Speaker )

23. Cherno Abdourahman Bah alias Tha Auspicious: UNPUBLISHED : ( Prolific Poet and Aspiring Writer )

24.  Hadram Hydara alias Saptientia Seeker :  UNPUBLISHED : ( Journalist, Writer and Prolific Poet)

25.  Momodou Jarju: UNPUBLISHED : (Journalist, Essayist, Prolific Poet and Blogger)

26. Kebba Mamburay alias Kebba Bint Uthman Mamburay :  UNPUBLISHED: ( Prolific Columnist, Journalist, Poet, Youth Leader, and Aspiring Writer )

   27. Momodou Lamin Bah alias The Virtuous : UNPUBLISHED : ( Prolific Poet and Aspiring Writer )

28.  Muhammed Tambedou :UNPUBLISHED : ( Poet and Aspiring Writer )

29.  Batou Saidy alias Mr.  Batou Tha Golden Pen: UNPUBLISHED : ( Poet and Aspiring Writer)

30.  Muhamed Lamin Ceesay: UNPUBLISHED : ( Aspiring Writer and Poet)

31.  Fatima Jawara alias Timah: UNPUBLISHED:  ( Poetess,  Spoken Word Artist and Aspiring Writer )

32.  Aja Musu Bah-Daffeh alias The Lady Poet:  UNPUBLISHED :  ( Poetess and Aspiring Writer )

33.  Sulayman Jammeh alias Sulayman Yourhighness Jammeh : UNPUBLISHED : ( Short Story Writer,  Novelist, and Aspiring Writer )

34.  Malick MS.  Jallow alias The Jallows : UNPUBLISHED : ( Short Story Writer and Aspiring Novelist)

35.  Omar Lavali alias Dha Lavalizer: UNPUBLISHED: ( Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Actor, Youth Leader, and Aspiring Writer)

36.   Muhammed Lamin Bittaye alias Muha Poet : UNPUBLISHED:  ( Poet, Spoken Word Artist and Aspiring Writer )

37. Essa Janko : UNPUBLISHED : ( Poet, Motivational Speaker and Aspiring Writer )

38. Mustapha Sonko : UNPUBLISHED : ( Poet and Aspiring Writer )

39. Haddy Jammeh: UNPUBLISHED : ( Poetess,  Feminist, Gender Activist, Child Activist, and Aspiring Writer )

40. Sally Daffeh alias Lady Marong: UNPUBLISHED : ( Poetess and Aspiring Writer )

42.  Fatou Hydra alias Janding or Hyt: UNPUBLISHED : ( Activist, Youth Leader and Aspiring Writer )

43. Musa Bah alias The Corrector : UNPUBLISHED : ( Poet and Aspiring Writer )

44. Ya Mallen  Jagne: UNPUBLISHED : ( Writer, Feminist, Political Activist, Gender Activist, Environmental activist. Optimistic Pan-Africanist.

and Social Justice Activist )

45. Omar Dibba alias Pen Doctor . UNPUBLISHED ( prolific poet, teacher debater, youth leader and Aspiring Writer)

46. Essa Janko alias the living philosopher. UNPUBLISHED ( prolific poet, debater, teacher, youth activist and Aspiring Writer)

47. Sarjo S. Jammeh alias Siez tarrus. UNPUBLISHED ( prolific poet, teacher, youth leader and Aspiring Writer)

48. Bakary Dena Sonko. UNPUBLISHED ( prolific poet, debater, youth leader and Aspiring Writer)

49. Hawa M. Bah  alies Ba pullo. UNPUBLISHED ( poetest, teacher, athlete and Aspiring Writer)

50. Alieu Ceesay alias Alvin Ceesay. UNPUBLISHED ( poet, youth leader and Aspiring Writer)

HER WASSSCE RESULT ( A Thrilling Short Story)

Uncle Musa closed from work very early to break the news he call "charming" to her proud niece, Siboo, the news bearing that the 2018 West African Senior Secondary school Certificate Examination ( WASSSCE) results are out. There was excitement on his face as he sanguinely anticipates a brilliant result from his niece.

The " charming news" was not charming to Siboo. Her mood changed instantly. To Uncle Musa, it was time to shame their neighbours.  " By Monday, they'll understand that Siboo is not who they think she was. They will know that she deserved all those awards she received in the graduation day, and unmatched to their backward children."

Such was the concept of Uncle Musa whose joy ia rallying rather too uncontrollable.  Siboo won three awards on her graduation day- which left their neighbour's tongues wagging. Within the school, there was a rumour rumouring that she doesn't deserved all those awards. To them, Siboo's awards were based on her relationship with some teachers teaching in the school. Interesting! Isn't it? Her internal examination results were always awesome. She always scored the distinction mark and on top of her classmates to the amazement of many.  To uncle Musa, the talks going on are baseless- and they have been developed out of jealousy.


It was on a Thursday that the news was revealed to her.  From that moment, she developed into a new breed. Despite her Uncle speaking in supercilious accent towards their neighbours, Siboo stationed herself in her room . Expectations were high on her as a result of her performances in the internal examinations.  Inside her room, she was like a fish out of water. She glued her hands on her head and opened her eyes on the surface.  " what would happen on Monday?" She would soliloquyse in her room. Despite her Uncle's high hope and supercilious behaviour; she, Siboo, herself knew that her result would not correspond to the expectations on her.  On Monday won't be like other Fridays in the school when Mr. Dem, Bax and Barry would give her A1.  Whilst doing that mediation in her room, outside was the reverse. Uncle Musa  started to calculate things that will be bought for Siboo. Indeed, he was like a dog with two tails while Siboo was kaleidoscopically turning her head like a fish out of water.

In their neighbourhood, there was a battle for superiority. Their immediate neighbour's daughter, Aisha, was also expecting her result.  It was who would come out with the best result between these two girls.  The supercilious voice of Uncle Musa was everywhere.  He would proudly boast that his Niece did what none of their neighbours' children did in the internal examinations, and she will do more than what she did during her internal examination.

Aisha, Siboo's classmate, citing her image in the society was a cool girl.  They were in the same class but their relationship was not as close as it suppose to be due to a fierce competition that their parents developed.

Days were going so fast for Siboo. With less than 24hrs to go and collect her result, she remained stationed in her room arguing with her mind.  " At least, I will have four credits...Or, no- maybe,.. five, or six ...but Maths....." This was what she was constantly doing on Sunday evening. Despite being so pessimistic: she was so intelligent to hide that from Uncle Musa.


Uncle Musa failed to observe Siboo's behaviour between the lines.  For him, Monday will be a celebration day to celebrate Siboo's indivisible  academic superiority in the society.
At about 5pm on Sunday, he drove to the market and bought stuffs to celebrate the achievement of Siboo.

If Uncle Musa can read Siboo between the lines and drop his ego, he wouldn't have wasted his money for the celebration.
Siboo's hands were under her cheek meditating knowing that failing or scoring a result under the expectations of Uncle Musa, would be calamitous.
  " had I known, I wouldn't date my teachers. I was fooled. Look, none of them call me these days. Should in case things went on the other way, what am I going to do or say? Is it possible to forge the result? No, this is not an internal examination.", she murmur to herself in a lack of self-confidence. At this point,  she was crying in her mind.  At some point, to tell Uncle Musa that she won't make it as expected of her, but telling him would also be a bombshell after all the noise in the vicinity.

Well, on Monday morning arrived. Siboo woke up very early. Uncle Musa, before going for work told her that he will be closing early for the celebration to shame their neighbours, because their daughter will come out with all-failed. He proudly handed over two hundred Dalasi note to Siboo to go and collect her result.

Aisha , their immediate neighbour's daughter, went to school as early as 8:30 a.m. As tradition, good students' go to collect their results first and the lazy students' later because they will not want them to be asked.


As usual, Siboo put on her swanky clothes and majestically walked to the school.  Lot of things in her mind....knowing that she might be called, she switched off her mobile-phone.   In the school, good students' were going in and out with smiles. For Siboo, she stationed herself outside like a divorced woman with 7 children to take care of.  
There was no Mr. Dem, Bax and co-.  While standing outside, Aisha's name was heard. She got Nine credits. Incredible was her result.   Lot of good remarks on her by classmates and some staff.
 With that result, she rushed home and left Siboo there.  Even before going in the IT lap to collect hers, she started to drop tears....


At home, Aisha's result was aired over the radio at the Sarjo Barrow's news. Happy her parents were.  Siboo was not visible in the society. After hearing Aisha's brilliant performance, all eyes and ears were waiting for Siboo's result.

By 2 p.m, when Uncle Musa closed from work, before asking for Siboo, Buba, his 5 years boy told him that Aisha came out with 4A's 3 B's and 2C's.   Nonplussed. " How about Siboo?", he asked-and his son told him that siboo wasn't around yet. It was at that time that he called Siboo  and a friend received his call and said.......


To be continued!

Author: ML Drammeh Csay ( PRO,  The Young Writers' Association of The Gambia )