Whats popular?

 

Gambia is comprised of many ethnic groups (eight to be exact), building a rich mix of cultural qualities and uniqueness that have helped the country make a movement towards self-identity. Interestingly enough, all eight ethnic groups preserve their own language, traditions, and even music. Regardless, I found some similarities between the traditional lifestyle and the up-and-coming youth lifestyle that is being created.

One internal factor that plays a huge role in their culture is religion. Gambia is 90 percent Muslim, making it a huge influence in how people dress. But that does not stop them from showing their colorful, playful and artistic side. As long as too much skin is not showing, any colorful piece of fabric will do.

 

However, dress code seems to change depending on location and age for that matter. For instance, when close to touristy areas of the country such as in the capital Banjul, or any beach destinations, preference for attire changes to a more casual or even westernized approach.

 

This demonstrates the movement towards self-identification if you will.. moving away from that traditional mindset to a more liberal, dependent lifestyle. 

The music is just as diverse! But one similarity maintained is the upbeat rhythm.. full of traditional meaning. In this video, one ethnic group of the country, the Wolof, show traditional singing and drumming.. and also how they dress! And this holds true with other tribes.

In this video however, almost everything is completely different! One thing though, it has just about the same upbeat rhythm as in traditional Gambian music. Everything else is different: from the way they dress, the persona created and their interests.