"My family will kill me if I take nude pictures" Gambian Model tells DL

A chat with Mariama Drammeh: Former Miss West Africa in Germany.

G T Diaspora Link always brings you the stories of talented/skillful and hardworking Gambians in the diaspora.We recently caught up with Makaddy Mariama Drammeh, who was crowned Miss West Africa 2011 in Germany. The 21 year-old was born in Cologne- the fourth-largest city in Germany to a German mother and a Gambian father. She currently studies foreign language correspondence and is the founder of Gambian Beauties Facebook. The Facebook-page Gambian Beauties, is created to expose and bring to the fore The Gambia’s hidden talents. Enjoy this exclusive interview with one of The Gambia's queens.

DL: Welcome to the Gambian Talents Diaspora Link.
GL: Yea nice. Thanks for having me.

DL: Gambian Lioness. Hope you don't bite.lol?
GL: Not at all

DL: Ok. What is your real name?
GL: My name is Makaddy-Mariama Drammeh

DL: Which part of Gambia are you from?
GL: I’m from Serekunda

DL: You've never modeled before and you were crowned Miss West Africa Germany. What was your secret?
GL: My secret was just to be myself and believe in my goals. Of course i wanted to win the pageant but I did not force myself. I was enjoying it and gave it my very best! Preparation is also important. I planned everything detailed from my dress to confidence training etc. lol

DL: Did your family and other Gambians support you at the pageant?
GL: Yes most of them were very happy. I didn’t tell anyone before because I knew some of them would be worried and I can understand that! But I brought the crown home and yes they were very proud of me.

DL: What inspired you to join the pageant and took modeling as a career?
GL: First it’s just my passion. I started and never stopped because it’s exciting and fun to work on different projects with different people and see other places. I can also inspire people to just do it! I have a curvy body, natural curly hair and I absolutely love it but it’s still hard in the beauty industry. So we need to change the perspective of these people.

DL: Lol. Are you seducing me?
GL: Haha not trying to.

DL: Anyway, are you married? If no, do you have a boyfriend?
GL: No I am not married. But happily taken.

DL: How is your boyfriend handling you being a model?
GL: He is jealous sometimes but he accepts it. He knows that it’s my passion.

DL: Sweet. Do you have any plans of getting married and raising a family? If so, how do you intend to reconcile family and work?
GL: Yes of course. But I am still young and have time. I have to finish my education successfully first before thinking about getting pregnant and marriage. Everything is possible. I don’t have shootings every single day so it will be possible to do both family and work.

DL: What is your major in school?
GL: My major in school is English and Spanish. I don’t like Maths that much huh...I’m studying foreign language correspondence because I have a passion for languages too. Besides that, I hope to become an advocate office manager by next year. It’s a lot but hard work pays off.

DL: What else are you engage in besides modeling?
GL: I work in an office for architecture, media and construction law.

DL: What is your reaction to people who believe that modeling is NOT Gambian?
GL: Wow. I think you cannot" put everyone in one bottle. Gambian women are so pretty. Why shouldn’t they do what they like and embrace their beauty? Well, in the same token, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I cannot prevent them from believing in what they believe.

DL: Have you taken any nude pictures before? If no, why not?
GL: No, it’s not my style of pictures. My body is not to show off. Sexy pictures, yes. Nude pictures, Absolutely NO! And above all, my family will kill me if I take nude pictures too lol.

DL: You won’t do it even if you are paid a million dollars?
GL: Yes even then. I don’t care too much about money. Money is not real. There are other things in life which make me happy besides money. So I’m not gona show my body for money. I’m good.

DL: Sweet. You look like you're rich.
GL: Rich! Lol. I dont look rich I’m rich. If you say I amrich of experience and positive life energy, I can say yes. But a student cannot be rich. Come on.

DL: How much money are making from modeling?
GL: I won’t tell you numbers hihi.

DL: Why not? Lol
GL: Because I have a private life too.

DL: Ok fair enough. Tell us about your family background.
GL: My mother is German and my father Gambian. It’s the best gift God gave me. I love my African culture. I try to visit Gambia every year. I am planning on going to stay there for some years after my studies.

DL: Do you miss anything from Gambia? If so, what is it?
GL: Everything about it. The good vibes, happy smiling people, my friends and family, the mango trees in our garden, reggae and dancehall music on the streets, oh believe me, i could list you 1000 more things

DL: What do you think of Gambian showbiz?

GL: Its growing everyday bigger and better. Gambia has fantastic musicians, models, DJs and actors! Respect to all of them.

DL: Who is your best Gambian Musician?
GL: I love Gee, Rebellion , Jaliba Kuyateh and Benjahmin

DL: What advice do you have for the young Gambians girls who want to become models?
GL: Stay strong, believe in yourself and don’t let someone else try to take you from your goals in life. but be careful also because there are a lot of idiots trying to be photographers to date young beautiful girls but are not interested in your career. So keep your eyes opened girls.

DL: Any final word to our readers?
GL: Stay blessed and focus on the beautiful things God give us. And thanks for all the beautiful and sweet words you share on my page "Gambian Lioness" ...

DL: Thanks for granting us this interview.
GL:You’re welcome.