Amir Yaya Sillah, the award-winning Gambian writer and founder of Suba Kunda Publishing, has authored a new book titled The Great Marabouts of Senegambia. The book, which delves deep into the history and legacy of Marabouts, is the culmination of over five years of extensive research conducted by Mr Sillah in The Gambia and abroad. Known for his profound storytelling and dedication to preserving African history and culture, Sillah’s latest work promises to offer readers an insightful journey into the untold stories of these spiritual leaders.
According to Amir Yaya Sillah, the Marabout institution is one of the most enduring entities in African history. It survived the transatlantic slave trade and European colonialism, outlasting the trials that shaped the continent’s modern history. However, despite their immense contributions to society, the role of Marabouts is often overlooked by mainstream discourse. Sillah’s new book seeks to address this imbalance, shining a spotlight on the Marabouts and the crucial role they played—and continue to play—in Senegambian society.
In The Great Marabouts of Senegambia, Sillah explores the Marabouts’ significant contributions, particularly in the realms of education and spiritual guidance. The book covers a wide range of topics, including pre-Islamic African spiritualism, the advent of Islam in Senegambia, the 18th-century jihads, and the influence of Marabouts in Europe. Sillah synthesises these historical events to paint a comprehensive picture of how Marabouts have shaped both past and present societies. Through their teachings and guidance, they have played a pivotal role in the cultural and spiritual development of the Senegambian people.
This is not the first time Sillah has captivated readers with his writings. The Great Marabouts of Senegambia is his second book release of the year, following The Future is Now, which was published in May. Over the past decade, Sillah has authored nine books, with topics ranging from entrepreneurship to family dynamics. All his works are available on Amazon and at Suba Bookshop in The Gambia.
Sillah’s journey as a writer is as remarkable as the subjects he writes about. Born and raised in Jarra Sutukung, The Gambia, Sillah grew up in a family with deep scholarly roots. Under the mentorship of his grandfather, the leader of the respected Sillah Kunda scholarly family, Sillah was trained in Islamic studies, sociology, and spiritual counselling. His thirst for knowledge led him to Serekunda, where he taught himself English at the age of 17. This marked the beginning of a remarkable life journey that took him from rural Gambia to the United Kingdom.
Sillah’s contributions to both literature and society have been widely recognised. In May 2023, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Gambia High Commission in London for his work in both the UK and The Gambia. Furthermore, during the coronation of King Charles III, Sillah was among the distinguished guests invited to meet the new monarch—a testament to his standing as a respected figure in both countries.
In 2022, Sillah founded the SST School of Entrepreneurship in The Gambia to equip young people with essential entrepreneurial skills. His influence has also extended into academia, with appearances as a speaker and panelist at conferences, including those at Cambridge University.
As The Great Marabouts of Senegambia hits the shelves, Sillah continues to solidify his reputation as a distinguished writer and a passionate advocate for African history, culture, and progress. His work serves as both a preservation of the past and a call for future generations to understand and appreciate the profound legacy of the Marabouts. Readers worldwide can look forward to another captivating and insightful offering from one of The Gambia’s most celebrated authors.
