From London to Banjul: British Woman’s Journey to Discover Her Gambian Roots
Sofia Akel, a 30-year-old British woman, has embarked on a deeply personal mission in Banjul, The Gambia—to trace her ancestral roots and reconnect with her heritage through her late grandfather, Almami Ceesay.
A Quest for Identity
Ceesay, who passed away 25 years ago, migrated to the UK decades earlier, where he started a family. Despite being born and raised in Britain, Sofia has long felt disconnected from her Senegambian lineage and believes her grandfather was originally from either The Gambia or Senegal—regions where the Ceesay surname is prominent.
Driven by a desire to reconnect, Sofia is documenting her journey in a film, hoping to preserve her family’s story for future generations.
“For my whole life, I wanted to come and learn more about where we are from,” she told Gambiana. “This is not only a chance to connect with my family and culture, but also a way to document the journey for others and for my family.”
Rediscovering Family Ties
Sofia aims to uncover details about her grandfather’s birthplace, meet extended relatives, and gain a deeper sense of identity.
“I want to know exactly where my grandfather was born, who lives there, and hopefully meet them—people I can call cousins or my grandfather’s siblings.”
During her visit to Senegal, she experienced a heartfelt reunion with newfound relatives. “Meeting my cousins there was amazing. We’re now in touch, and they’re really cool people.”
Embracing Gambian Culture
On her second trip to The Gambia, Sofia described the experience as transformative.
“The country is beautiful, the people are incredibly kind, and the history and culture are rich.”
She has also embraced the local cuisine, naming domoda (peanut stew) and benachin (Jollof rice) as her favorite dishes—adding a delicious layer to her cultural immersion.
A Story of Heritage and Belonging
Sofia’s journey transcends personal discovery—it’s a powerful narrative of identity, family bonds, and heritage.
By Adama Makasuba | Source: Gambiana