Rene Badjan

The Drumbeats of Afdie Rene Badjan

The Drumbeats of Afdie is the story of Omadi, a Gambian immigrant who came to the United States. It describes the life of Omadi both in the United States and in his native country, The Gambia. In the book the reader is exposed to Gambian tradition and culture. The narration about gods and oracles offers a wider appreciation of this African phenomenon. The nuances of the American immigration system become a focal point in the book, as Omadi is torn between the choice of staying in the country as an illegal immigrant or going back home. The social dynamics that are an nitegral part of his experience, give the reader an insight into the cultural norms and values that have helped to shape Omadi's life.