By: Michaella Faith Wright
Gambian author Musa Banja, who has lived with severe visual impairment since childhood, has published his debut novel “From Rivalry to Redemption”, marking a major milestone in a journey defined by resilience and determination. Born in Boraba Village in the Central River Region and now residing in Kunkujang Keitaya, Banja says his path has been shaped by struggle, perseverance and an unwavering belief in his aspirations.
Banja began experiencing severe eye pain and vision loss at the age of three. By Grade 6, his parents withdrew him from school out of fear that he would lose what remained of his sight. He refused to surrender, returning to school with the support of the Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired, GOVI, and Madam Fatou Sowe, using tape recorders, magnifiers and later braille to continue his education.
His passion for writing emerged in 2018 while he was in Grade 10. “I forced my eyes every day just to write. Writing became my escape, my purpose,” he said. Without a laptop and relying only on his phone and braille machine, he continued creating poems, quotes and motivational articles.
After an initial unsuccessful attempt at WASSCE, Banja moved to Kaur where he resat the exams and secured more than six credits. He is now in his final year at Gambia College pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Secondary Education and currently serves as Information Minister of the Students’ Union.
Banja says the publication of “From Rivalry to Redemption” is proof that disability does not define a person’s potential. “Your struggle doesn’t define your destination. Keep pushing,” he advised.
By: Michaella Faith Wright Gambian author Musa Banja, who has lived with severe visual impairment since childhood, has published his debut novel “From Rivalry to Redemption”, marking a major milestone in a journey defined by resilience and determination. Born in Boraba Village in the Central River Region and now residing in Kunkujang Keitaya, Banja says The Fatu Network
