Banjul South Oral History

We're recording the voices, families, and memories of Banjul South — before they're lost.

The mission

Banjul South is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in The Gambia. Yet so much of its lived history — naming ceremonies, fishing routes, family migrations, songs — has never been written down. Hamanteh exists to record it, transcribe it, and return it to the community in a form they can hold, share, and pass on.

How it works

01

We knock on your door

A community member visits your compound, with a recorder, a notebook, and respect for your time.

02

You speak, we listen

In Wolof, Mandinka, Fula, English — whichever feels right. We record, take photos with permission, and leave.

03

We label and transcribe

A trained transcriber labels speakers, then transcribes the audio line by line, preserving language tags.

04

You see it before anyone else

Your family entry goes back to you for review. Nothing is published without explicit consent.

Hamanteh Day

Once a year, the community gathers to celebrate the families and elders whose stories have been recorded. The archive is screened, songs are sung, food is shared. The next generation hears their grandparents' voices — and adds their own.

Want to share your family's story?

Submit your story online or message us on WhatsApp.

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