Bobo and the Talking Baobab | By Amadou S Jallow (Gambia)

Abstract

The story of Kalina revolves around an island, metaphorically depicted as a beautiful African woman, whose allure is comparable to a rare, dazzling jewel. Once blessed with a striking beauty, Kalina was crafted by the almighty with a unique and precious design, envied by all who encountered it. However, the island’s beauty was marred when men stripped it of its natural resources, leaving it exposed and vulnerable.

The tale reflects the struggles faced by Kalina, encapsulated in two popular Kalina slogans: “The Nakedness of Kalina!” and “Clothe Kalina again!” These slogans capture the island’s fall from grace and its plea for restoration, symbolizing the broader theme of exploitation and the desire for revitalization. The narrative serves as a poignant reflection on the exploitation of natural beauty and the yearning for its preservation.