Medina Baay Research Association

This year's Medina Baay Gàmmu (Mawlid), scheduled for this coming Friday night, is set to be unlike any other in history, with visiting heads of state and the inauguration of the newly renovated mosque. However, amidst all the good news, Sheex Baay Caam has just informed me that the man who has led the chanting at the Gàmmu for decades and was to lead it again this year has just died. Baabakar Caam (Babacar Thiam), blind since his birth in a Séeréer-speaking Ñoominka fishing village, became a renowned Islamic school teacher, spiritual guide, and the most formidable Taalibe Baay Sufi chanter. Personally picked by Baay Ñas and educated by Baay Ñas's blind cousin, Usmaan Faati Jàllo Ñas, Baabakar Caam was the indispensable element at any major Taalibe Baay religious meeting for decades. He will be buried today (Wednesday, February 24) in Medina Baay, Kaolack.