Geraldine Sinyuy Interviews Muhammed Bakayoko, a Gambian Budding Writer cum University Student

Geraldine Sinyuy: Hello, can you introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to become a writer?
Muhammed Bakayoko: My name is Muhammed Bakayoko, a final-year student at the University of Education, The Gambia, where I am pursuing a degree in Agriculture. My academic training has helped me understand the realities of food security, rural development, and youth livelihood challenges, which often intersect with the social issues I explore in my writing.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What kind of themes do you explore in writing?
Muhammed Bakayoko: Writing is not merely a hobby to me; it is a powerful instrument of advocacy. Through the pen, I speak for peace, justice, and social practices that persist in silence because many people fear speaking out. Writing allows me to amplify marginalized voices and draw attention to uncomfortable truths. I strongly believe that human rights are universal, belonging to every human being regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. Equality should not be selective; it must be practiced consistently in both words and actions.

Geraldine Sinyuy: At what age did you start writing?
Muhammed Bakayoko: My writing journey began during my senior secondary school years in 2021. At that stage, I discovered that writing offered me a platform to express thoughts and concerns that could not easily be voiced in ordinary conversations. What started as a passion gradually evolved into a responsibility.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Where do you draw inspiration for your writing from?
Muhammed Bakayoko: The primary motivation behind my writing is the desire to speak against injustice and to stand for those who have been silenced or ignored. Witnessing inequality, oppression, and societal neglect inspired me to venture into the literary space as a means of resistance and awareness.

Geraldine Sinyuy: According your context, what is the most trending issue in present day literature as far as human rights are concerned? Do you in any case write about human rights violation in your works?
Muhammed Bakayoko: Human rights violations, in all their forms, should never be encouraged or normalized. It is not enough to preach human rights while failing to implement them. I firmly believe that humanity deserves better, and it is our collective duty to translate principles into practice by protecting dignity, freedom, and justice.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Gender based violence and all other forms of gender discrimination against women and girls is rife in many patriarchal societies all over the world. What is your take on this?
Muhammed Bakayoko: Women and girls are an inseparable part of humanity and must be treated as such. They deserve equal access to education, not as a favor but as a right. Educating women sharpens their intellect, empowers them to participate in decision-making, and strengthens societies. A continent cannot truly develop while sidelining half of its population.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Can you tell us which of your works brought you to the lime light of the literary circle? Can you tell us where we can find any of your books?
Muhammed Bakayoko: My first notable creative work focused on illegal migration, a phenomenon that continues to drain Africa of its most productive youth. The piece examined the dangers, desperation, and false promises surrounding migration, while calling for solutions that create hope and opportunities at home.

Geraldine Sinyuy: I understand apart from being a writer, you still have other responsibilities. Can you share with me how you manage to successfully navigate through all these responsibilities and still have time for writing?
Muhammed Bakayoko: Beyond writing, I actively engage with communities by visiting schools to assemble students and staff for discussions about my literary works. These interactions help readers understand the deeper messages within my writing and encourage critical thinking, dialogue, and social awareness.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What are the challenges you face as a writer in your country?
Muhammed Bakayoko: Although there are some platforms for promoting literary works, funding remains a major obstacle for writers in The Gambia. Many talented authors struggle to excel due to limited institutional support. If funding opportunities exist, they are either inaccessible or poorly publicized.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Can you rate African Literature today?
Muhammed Bakayoko: African literature is steadily progressing, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where reading culture and literary support systems are stronger. Unfortunately, in The Gambia, literature is still underdeveloped, with limited readership and inadequate support for writers. More collective effort is needed to revive and sustain literary culture.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What are the major themes that run through your writing?
Muhammed Bakayoko: My writings explore diverse and socially relevant themes, including:

Migration
Corruption
Educational systems and youth unemployment (the “backbone” theme)
Moral decay and human cruelty
The strenuous journey toward success

These themes reflect everyday realities and challenge readers to question systems and behaviors that hinder progress.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Which is the most interesting you have ever read?
Muhammed Bakayoko: Despite my young age, one of the most impactful books I read in my early years was The Magic Calabash by Nana Johnson, a fellow Gambian author. The book contributed significantly to my appreciation of storytelling and cultural narratives.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Are there any African writers who have served as role models to you?
Muhammed Bakayoko: As a young writer who has already published a solo book, I am still in the process of identifying clear literary role models. My journey is largely shaped by personal conviction, lived experiences, and a desire to chart my own path.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Tell us something interesting about your country.
Muhammed Bakayoko: The Gambia is a peaceful nation where people generally live in harmony and show strong communal support, especially during difficult times. This sense of unity and coexistence continues to inspire my optimism and my commitment to promoting peace through writing.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Thank you very much for your responses. It was nice having you on this platform and we hope to have another conversation with you in the nearest future.