FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Musa Barrow
1 December 2007
interview
Part 2
In this edition we continue with Foroyaa's exclusive interview with a promising Gambian writer, Bamba Khan, who described writing as an extricable part of his life. In the interview, Bamba Khan takes us on a guided tour of his writing career. He also dealt with how to inculcate the culture of reading in children and what the future holds for upcoming Gambian writers. Let's pick up from where we stopped.
You have made mention of some international publishing houses stating what you described as unnecessary standards. What are those unnecessary standards?
Most of these publishing houses look at books that would be digested in the educational system eg books used in schools. I am not saying that academic books are less important, but art should also be given its due attention. To come to the point some of the unnecessary standards are that they would ask the author to type his work within a short period of time and that if one submits his/her work to them it starts passing from one hand to another, which is normally a protracted process. Sometimes, as an author one is left in a state of bewilderness for not knowing the status of one's work. And in most occasions, they change certain things, which are relevant to your work; this is due to the cultural divergence they always want to set the standards by their own level. For example, as an African, if you put up a certain phenomenal issue that is important to you because of your culture, they could see it as completely frivolous. So, these are some of the unnecessary things they do that disfigures the nature of the work.
What is the role of writers in a society?
Writing is a noble deed, because the world itself was built on writing. The origin of writing can be traced to as far back as the days of ancient city of Mesopotamia, in modern day Iraq. But writing later developed and came to sustain all the records of the world. It is through writing that we know about the empires, discoveries and miracles. Scriptures are written down, Jews have the Torah, Muslims have the Qur'an and Christians have the Bible. All these holy books could be transferred from one generation to another through writing. So, writing continues as long as the sun shines. We cannot do away with writing, because it is through writing that the world changes. Writing helps to put things right, it helps to rectify politicians and the society as a whole. It puts society on course so that the misdeeds of a people would not be repeated again. The history of wars such as the Second World War has made it possible for the modern states to avoid global war. This was transmitted from one generation to another through writing.
As a Pan-Africanist, does your Pan-Africanist ideology reflect on your writings?
Of course, it does. I believe that every person hails from a culture and it is that culture which influences the way you think and view things. I read Pan-Africanism at school and I'm familiar with names like Nkrumah, Lumumba, Nyerere and Saikou toure. All what these pioneers of Pan-Africanism wanted was to uphold Africa's integrity. They wanted to ascertain the dignity of the black person. They wanted to make the black people understand that they can live better lives without depending on outsiders. This spirit engineered, by these pioneers of Pan-Africanism truly motivates me. This is why I told you earlier that I refused to send my work to Western publishing houses. I believe as a Pan-Africanist in my writing, I portray Pan-Africanist sentiments, African unity and peace in Africa etc. I also debunk the fight against disunity, injustice, child exploitation, gender inequality and those things that can render our continent backward.
What would you attribute as responsible for Gambia's failure to produce many prolific art and seasoned writers?
I believe that is due to the fact that Gambia is unfortunate for not having a university very early. And to be frank, universities are the centres of knowledge acquisition and diffusion. However, there is no doubt in my mind that very soon this country would produce very good writers. I can also sense that very soon this country will produce best selling authors. This is due to the fact that Gambia has a very unique geo-political and socio-cultural environment. This country does not have war, crime and many negative things and this is why The Gambia is a heaven for many, nevertheless, despite all these positive things, we should develop our intellect.
Earlier you lamented about the poor culture of reading in The Gambia. How can we inculcate the culture of reading in our children?
Without any question, the most appropriate answer to that is for us to encourage our children to read constantly and frequently. What really helped my sister and me was that we have a very strict and uncompromising father who forced us to read. I'm staggered when people say corporal punishment is bad. I believe it is only bad when it fails to produce results.
Do you believe in this theory that good writers are born, not made?
Although I believe in destiny, i have the feeling that everybody can be a writer. After all, practice leads to perfection. You start writing nonsense and later it is from that very nonsense that you write sense. As far as i am concerned writers are people who are dedicated to their work, and they have the stamina to withstand pressure.
Can you shed more light on your books starting with Juffereh, "Kissing you with hurting lips?"
The very title of this book is ironic. The definite question is how somebody can kiss with hurting lips. The message it sends is that this book makes reference to Africa's history. Juffereh is a symbol of slavery. The title of the book is basically saying that we are remembering our difficult past. Our first book entitled Juffereh was published in 2004.
The second book entitled Proverbs of the Senegambia aims to conserve and preserve our tradition as it contains proverbs from different local languages in this country. This is with the ultimate objective of protecting our values and culture from Western stain.
How do readers receive these books?
As soon as I publish them, the National Library as well as various hotels such as Kairaba and Tropical Tours all demanded copies, which I did. Bookshops like Timbooktu and Maroon's Supermarket all have my copies. And wherever I go people do tell me that I have read your book. This reaction truly motivates me and makes me feel that I am trying.
Does the future look rosy for Gambian writers?
Indeed, the future looks rather bright for Gambian writers. It is as bright as the stars of the night, because currently The Gambia is a virgin land, which has not yet been exploited. Upcoming writers can take advantage of this and reach the zenith.
What is your reaction to this concept that writing is not lucrative enough in terms of material gain?
If one look at the monetary aspects of writing, one would not become a writer. Writing goes beyond the material gains that one can amass wealth. For one to be a writer, you do not have to be materially oriented. Instead one needs to be spiritually connected with the people inorder to project how society should be. History teaches us that all the prophets who brought salvation to their people were not rich. Scientists who also came up with great discoveries were not also rich. As a starter in writing, one should not think about money, although it might come later if he/she produces a best seller.
As a writer, you must have read many books. Who are some of your favourite writers?
Chinua Achebe is one of my favourite writers, because his writing always show African values and draw one back to the village. I do not like reading books that talk about the snow as those things do not reflect the African reality.
Do you have any favourite books?
I like the "Anthills of the Savannah", because it talks about politics and it makes reference to many things happening in Africa today. The Anthills of the Savannah touches political injustice, corruption, poor governance, intimidation of journalists and torture. All these practices are rife in the continent of Africa today. In that book, there is a character called Ikem Osodi who was an independent journalist, but was victimized. The book also portrays the characteristics of a dictator. Basically Anthills of the Savannah is a replica of what is happening in many African countries today. I am also an admirer of my sister Mariam Khan's books; she is truly a skillful writer.
You have talked about the Anthills of the Savannah, which is political in nature. Can we also expect Bamba to come up with books, which deal with politics?
That is quite right, I am currently developing a book of such a nature, the title of which I do not want to divulge now.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advise is let them read as much as they can. Reading broadens one's knowledge.
Tell me more about yourself?
Well, Bamba Khan is a writer who lives in Brikama; married with one child and I work at the Access Bank.
I hold a Bachelors Degree from The University of The Gambia in Sociology and French. I also attended Sheikh Anta Diob University where I did a course in French and linguistics. I was a head boy of Nusrat Senior Secondary School and a pivotal founder of NAPSA. I was also the first Secretary General of NAPSA.
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