FU-ka-jye

Fukaji (fuu-ka-jye)…… it’s a wolof word but I am not really sure on that? Here in The Gambia we use it as the word to describe used clothing that comes from Europe or America. The clothing floods the streets, shops and markets with sellers selling these used clothes in The Gambia.

Sometimes you can find some good things… most of my clothing besides my African clothes are from fukaji because I lost so much weight while I was here. I have really nice jeans that I picked up for a dollar, tee shirts that are from H&M for less than 20cents. It is like a thrift store on the streets… its nice. Anyway, these clothes are shipped here in bundles and then distributed once the sellers buy them to sell.

Yesterday Abass and I were walking through Banjul when we ran into a truck load being distributed… it took photos and thought I would share.

In my opinion, these western clothes are not only sweeping the nation, they are also changing the culture and influencing the people to look more western and adopt our culture. You don’t see many Gambians in the city wearing a lot of African clothes unless it’s a special occasion. Anyway, it is interesting… what do you think?

Here are some other photos of the beach as well. I am having a good time with my new camera. I know many of you are hanging out in the cold snow, while I am still enjoying the sun. :)