Amadu Daramy in Maryland
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has said in Maryland that the Mandingo Culture is unique and has been admired by other tribes and that now even Christians do wear gowns in Churches.
She was speaking during the celebration of MAMAYA Night in Maryland, USA.
The renowned Madingo people on 20th September 2025 celebrated their fourth anniversary with MAMAYA NIGHT at Metro Points Hotel on Annapolis Road, New Carrollton, Maryland, with all types of flamboyant gowns on display to the applause and admiration of both Madingos and guests.
MAMAYA is registered in Maryland, USA.
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Alhaji Hassan Sheriff, described the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio, as the embodiment of elegance, passion and leadership.
He also welcomed other distinguished personalities like the former First Lady, Mrs. Isata Jabbie Kabba, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Fanday Turay, Special Guests from Guinea, Haja Adama Jibatey Sillah and Madam Hawa Dabor to celebrate Madingo Culture.
He articulated that he is honored and grateful to welcome the dignitaries revealing that some people are born great while others have greatness trust on them.
MAMAYA is the umbrella organization in North America formed to unite Mandingos and beyond.
The organization has renovated schools, donated solar lights in Kono District as well as yearly Ramanda gifts and other projects that have created impact in Kono District.
The Chief Executive Officer also appealed to Madingos to come together and unite, underscoring that they respect their elders and sisters.
In her keynote address, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Bio commended Mrs. Isata Kabbah and Mr. Fanday Turay for attending the event, that she is so humbled but appreciative, that there is no better place for her to be at that moment and attributed all her achievements in life to been a Madingo assuring that she would always pray to Allah to bless her to give back to her people.
The First Lady also asserted that they must be proud of their unique culture, that Madingos know their families, protect their elders and never abandon them, instill their culture in their children, teach them to speak the language and revealed that she teaches her son and two daughters the Madingo language and urged all to please do the same.
“We are Muslims by religion, we must instil the values of Islam and the Madingo culture in our children. Special thanks and appreciation to the SLPP for your love and support. The party is going through a transition now but be assured of your support. Forget about social media news –we will do the right thing when the time comes. Some people say I come from The Gambia, others say Timbuktu, but I know I come from Kono district, and I will do everything humanly possible to give back to my District, one of the greatest in Sierra Leone. I am not afraid of anyone. Let’s allow the process to go on. Greetings from one of our greatest sons, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, who is unavoidably absent.”
The First Lady further called for Madingos to celebrate each other, reiterating that she is so excited to network and celebrate their rich culture and history that is truly MAMAYA, concluding that they must put their tribe and people first.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr Fanday Turay,disclosed that it is a great honour to talk to his people who have a rich history and observed that some of them hail from the Mali Empire, urged them to unite for progress, preserve their heritage, language, stories, music and not abandon their culture in America.
He reiterated that whether Madingos come from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali or elsewhere, they are one Mandingo and further called for progress, investment in education and business and the future of their children, reiterating that being Mandingo in America is a strength that they must take advantage of.
According to Mr. Fanday Turay, their ancestors were brave, resilient, and shaped the history of Africa and commended His Excellency the President for the appointment, asserting that he is one of the few Madingos in government.
Dr. Bernadette Sankoh Kamara revealed that she has been working with the First Lady in various capacities and was amazed by the unity and love demonstrated by all intimating thatMadingos are a special kind of people in Sierra Leone, stressing,“if we all can just give 50% of our time, we can do great things.”
She recalled that a few years ago, President Julius Maada Bioand the First Lady championed the enactment of the UN Security Council Resolution protecting women worldwide and that now violators can be jailed and pay restitution, for which she is proud, reiterating, “no more violation of women’s rights worldwide.”
Special Adviser to the President, Mrs Isata Jabbie Kabbah,disclosed that Madingos have a unique culture and heritage to be proud of, highlighted that they are doing extremely well inSierra Leone and other parts of the world, for which they must be celebrated daily as a blessing.
She continued that her presence at the event is to reaffirm her support and commitment to MAMMAY North America, for which he thanked and congratulated all.
Competent sources indicate that a member donated a thousand dollars to the organisation, and appeals were made to members to buy the book titled ‘The African Brain Drain.’
The Masters of the Ceremony were Ibrahim Conde and Kadiju Kande, who thrilled guests with the latest songs, both local and international.
