Breaking Boundaries Through the Lens: The Journey of Sarjo Baldeh

In the pulsating world of sports photography, where men often dominate the scene, one woman is making her mark with a camera lens in hand. Sarjo Baldeh's journey from a small village in Gambia to the bustling stadiums of Africa's biggest football tournament is not just about capturing moments; it's about breaking barriers and pursuing dreams against the odds.

Baldeh's tryst with photography began at the age of 20 when she received a Canon T6 as a birthday gift, a rare luxury in her homeland where cameras are often a pricey import. Raised in Lamin, a village in west Gambia, her early exposure to photography came through a summer program by Starfish International, an organization empowering girls. It was during this program that she discovered her passion for capturing the world through a lens.

Her path wasn't without obstacles. In a country where formal photography education is scarce, Baldeh turned to online tutorials and sought guidance from established photographers, even reaching out to mentors across the globe via social media platforms like Instagram. Through dedication and perseverance, she honed her skills, venturing into wedding photography and eventually finding her niche in sports photography.

Baldeh's breakthrough came when she was selected to cover a match between Gambia and South Sudan during the Afcon qualification in Senegal in 2022. This opportunity paved the way for her to work with top Gambian football clubs like Real de Banjul and Fortune FC. However, it was her inclusion as one of the few female photographers accompanying the Gambia national team to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast that thrust her into the spotlight.

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of Afcon, Baldeh stood out not just for her photographic prowess but also for challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated field. As she captured the highs and lows of the tournament, her images reverberated across social media, earning her recognition and admiration from enthusiasts worldwide.

But for Baldeh, Afcon was more than just a professional milestone; it was a personal journey of resilience and determination. Despite facing logistical challenges and physical limitations compared to her male counterparts, she remained undeterred, driven by her passion for the craft. Baldeh's ambition knows no bounds; her sights are set on the grand stage of the 2026 World Cup, where she aspires to become the first Gambian sports photographer to cover the event.

Her dream encapsulates the essence of her journey – a testament to the power of ambition and perseverance in the face of adversity. Through her lens, Sarjo Baldeh not only captures moments but also inspires countless others to chase their dreams relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in their way. In a world where barriers are meant to be broken, she is leading the charge, one frame at a time.

This remarkable journey continues beyond the borders of Gambia, as Baldeh recently ventured to Ghana for the All-African Games. In this new chapter of her career, she found herself embraced by the hospitality of her hosts, including Hajia Hadiza Faila and her family, who graciously accommodated and supported her throughout her stay. Additionally, Baldeh expresses her heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Samuel Apeti, CEO of Top Knowledge Media, and his team, whose support and encouragement further fueled her passion for capturing the spirit of the games.

Baldeh's journey to Ghana was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Musa Barrow, Omar Colley, and Assan S. Ndure, whose belief in her talent and determination helped turn her dream into reality. Their support not only enabled Baldeh to capture captivating moments from the games but also reinforced her belief in the power of community and solidarity.

As Baldeh continues to pursue her passion for sports photography, she carries with her the memories of her time in Ghana – a testament to the bonds forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. In a world often defined by divisions, her journey serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of generosity and kindness.