ABA T. HYDARA

Available to hire

I’m Aba T. Hydara, a Gambian social artist, editorial cartoonist, illustrator, heritage expert, and cultural diplomat based in Barra.

About

I’m Aba T. Hydara, a Gambian social artist, editorial cartoonist, illustrator, heritage expert, and cultural diplomat based in Barra. My work connects art with education, cultural heritage conservation, youth engagement, and environmental awareness—using visual storytelling to help communities preserve memory, speak on social issues, and build pride in identity.

I founded the NIUMI FORT BULLEN COLONIAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL ORGANIZATION and direct COMILLCARTOONS STUDIO in Barra, where I create cartoons, children’s book illustrations, heritage-themed artworks, and educational creative materials. I’m also author of KOOMASILOO (THE BACKWAY), a comic developed as a campaign and learning tool on irregular migration, and I continue working through projects like FESTHI and my current children’s book illustration project, KURUKUNKU.

  • 27 years' experience
  • Joined October 2026

Industry experience

  • Education
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Government
  • Other

Work experience· 6 roles

IllustratorOct 2023 – Oct 2023 · 1 mo

Illustrated FESTHI book Travelling Youth through an artistic residency connected with FESTHI and Alliance Française de Banjul.

Founder · NIUMI FORT BULLEN COLONIAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL ORGANIZATIONJan 2018 – Present · 8 yrs 11 mos

Founded and leads a festival organization promoting conservation, protection, interpretation, and sustainable community engagement around Fort Bullen in Barra. Integrates heritage conservation, visual arts and crafts, cultural performance, community tourism, environmental awareness, youth participation, and cultural diplomacy.

Founder · PACE – Promoters of Artistic Creativity and ExcellenceJan 2009 – Present · 17 yrs 11 mos

Established an initiative to promote artistic creativity, cultural expression, and excellence, supporting artists and creative development.

Founder · PACE (Promoters of Artistic Creativity and Excellence)Jan 2009 – Present · 17 yrs 11 mos
Supervisor – Painting and Decorative Arts Unit · Ocean Bay Hotel and ResortJan 2005 – Present · 21 yrs 11 mos
Co-Founder · The Point Fun MagazineJan 1999 – Present · 27 yrs 11 mos

Education· 6

Nursery and Primary Education · Farafenni Town Nursery and Primary Schools1983 – 1988
Primary Education · Bakalarr Primary School1988 – 2026
Secondary Technical Education · Kerewan Secondary Technical School1989 – 1992
Ordinary Level Education · Muslim High School1993 – 1994

Certifications and awards· 9

Diploma in Heritage Management2030 – 2026
Cultural Diplomacy (study)2030 – 2026
Diploma in Heritage Management2030 – 2026
Cultural Diplomacy (current studies)2030 – 2026

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