Nio Far: We Are Together

A story of community, movement, and belonging inspired by the rhythms of Gambia. Through dance and music, this work reflects on the strength of shared traditions and the enduring connection between memory, identity, and home.

STORIES FROM ITALY

6/24/20261 min read

I come from Gambia, where the rhythm of the sabar drum carries stories, emotions, and connections that bring people together. Its sound travels through the body before it reaches the mind, calling people to gather, celebrate, and share a moment of collective joy. For me, some of my strongest childhood memories are linked to those rhythms.

As a child, I would run toward the music without even thinking. The sound of the drums was enough to transform the entire neighborhood. Women danced barefoot in the red dust, children eagerly copied the movements of the adults, and laughter filled the air. In those moments, everyone seemed connected. The music created a space where people could celebrate life, support one another, and forget their worries, even if only for a little while.

My mother often repeated the words, “Nio Far” — we are together. Those words remain at the heart of what dance means to me. Beyond the movements and performances, dance is about belonging. In Gambia, people dance to celebrate important occasions, to heal after difficult experiences, and to reconnect with one another. It is a language that expresses emotions when words are not enough. Sometimes, even silence needs a rhythm.

Today, I live in Palermo, but that music continues to accompany me. I do not carry it only in my memories; I carry it within my body, in my gestures, and in the way I move through the world. At eighteen, I left many things behind, but I never left behind the part of myself that knows how to dance freely. Through this work, I celebrate the values of community, resilience, and togetherness that continue to guide me, reminding me that no matter how far I travel, I am always connected to where I come from.

HERS

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Contact

hers@odyssea.com