19 years young is the first Miss West Africa with natural hair. An interview about what motivates her, her goal and much more.
Hi Mariama, First of all congratulations on your title. Also great that you want to do this interview. It's all new to you, how does it feel to be Miss West Africa? Has it sunk in yet?
Oh thank you! I feel blessed and overjoyed right now. It’s a dream come true. I feel honored to represent the beauty of West Africa, empower women and help people there, but I still can’t believe it.
Can you tell us a bit about your background? Did you grow up in Germany or in Gambia?
I was born and raised in Germany, my mother's country, but my father is from Gambia. I love my African roots, it's a gift to grow up in two cultures. I've been to Gambia many times and I can't wait to go again. I miss my people in Gambia.
Why did you decide to participate? Was this your first election?
Yes, it was my first pageant. As Miss West Africa Germany, I want to inspire women to get the most out of life by pushing their own self-imposed boundaries. I also get the chance to do what I always wanted: set up a charity project to help my people.
Why do you think it is important to highlight West African culture in the West?
West Africa is facing a lot of problems: civil wars, poverty etc. We need to help and focus on these problems because we have the possibilities. We can also learn from the African mentality, from the vitality and to make the best of your life. Africa is a beautiful continent with fascinating nature and people.
You are a beauty and your hair is gorgeous. Maybe a strange question but in the black community it is so normal to relax your hair hence the question: why is your hair not relaxed? Was it a conscious decision?
Thank you 🙂 Well when I was younger I thought about relaxing. I used to use tongs to straighten my hair but my friends at school didn’t like it. It wasn’t who I was they said. So I gave it up and thank god I never relaxed. I love my natural curls and I get a lot of compliments. Even from people who don’t know me.
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In the US and Holland the vast majority of Black women wear their hair relaxed or in weaves. How different is it in the African community in Germany and Gambia?
I think it is the same here as in the US and Holland. African women need more confidence to wear their hair frizzy. It is simply beautiful and makes us special. And men love it too.
Here in the US, a lot of black women have to deal with hair breakage and bald spots due to the use of relaxers. Is it the same in the African community?
Yes, absolutely. I hear a lot of girls and women complaining about damaged hair and I know women who have gone frizzy after hair loss, itchy scalp and other issues.
You are in business education. Do you already know what kind of company you want to set up?
I would like to be a business consultant. I have also thought about my own hair and cosmetics line. There are so many things I would like to do.
Combating malaria is an important goal for you. Can you tell us what motivates you?
As Miss West Africa Germany I have the chance to set up a charity project and I am absolutely thrilled! When I was in Gambia a few years ago I saw with my own eyes how many people suffer from Malaria. A mother with a child really stuck with me. Nobody wanted to help the woman and she had no money to buy medicine for the child. People don't even have a mosquito net to keep the mosquitoes out. It makes me angry that the government doesn't help these people and it has always been a dream of mine to help them.
In the spring I'm going to West Africa with a TV transmitter to help people and make the world a little bit better. I want to do what I can.
My parents always taught me to do this – whenever we went to Gambia they would buy medicines, mosquito nets and toys for the children there.
So you are going to Nigeria for the international title of Miss Africa. What are your expectations and how do you prepare?
Preparation is very important – it gives confidence! I try to exercise five times a week, drink a lot of water and eat healthy. It’s not easy because I love chocolate and West African food – especially “Domodah” (stewed meat with rice). I’m obsessed when it comes to food.
Last word?
I want to thank God for giving me strength and courage as well as a positive outlook on my abilities. I also want to thank everyone who supports and motivates me - especially my family and dear friends.
Also thanks for this great interview. Keep motivating women to go natural or stay natural. Your site is amazing!
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