So many haters: Fayer responds to critics of her modeling photos

What’s On-Gambia contacted international model and former TV presenter Yama Faye (Fayer), to hear her response to the negative comments and criticism she has received over some of her photos that showed her unclothed body.

Fayer has been a punching bag in recent weeks, especially on Facebook. In a chat with What’s On-Gambia,the model slammed critics who accused her of being ungodly and ungambian. She responded, “What I do has nothing to do with them. And how many inappropriate activities are some Gambians indulged in?” 

The former Dial GRTS presenter didn’t mince with her words as she lambasted her critics.

Fayer left the country in 2010 to pursue an international career in modeling and also to start university education. 

“Modeling and fashion is my passion. It is something that I have always loved since I was 8-year-old. I remember cutting my hair for myself at that age just to be fashionable, even though I was little bit tomboyish.” 

She told What’s On-Gambia that even before she became a model, she was never ashamed of her body or being a woman. She added, “As a model, I do implied/artistic nude. I do not show private parts, so I don’t know what all the noise is about.” 

One Fakebba Touray wrote on Facebook: “You really let me down Fayer, think about hereafter. Don’t let them fool you. America is not a place for your type; you are heading to hell in the name of modeling. What a shame….” 

American law graduate, Antolin Andrew Marks was shocked and disgusted by some of the negative comments. She wrote: “It is as if we were not all born naked!!!! If people don’t like to watch this sort of stuff they should throw away their telephones, their televisions, and all communications devices because they are bound to see it somewhere. Remember, Playboy is not deemed indecent by the United States Supreme Court. Personal choice is what it is, personal.” 

According to Fayer, she is not the least bothered by the negative comments and criticism. She said her critics have not yet given her any good reason to quit modeling. 

“It’s embarrassing and very degrading that Gambians can hold such hatred in them. I am still not sure what exactly the criticism is about and why they are so angry and unhappy?” 

Responding to the critics who questioned her devotion to Islam, Fayer said, “I might not be the best Muslim but I am a practicing one. I try to pray the 5 daily prayers every day. If I don’t pray I feel weird and empty. I fast the whole month of Ramadan. I give Zakat and help those in need whenever necessary. I do not and never judge people. I try my best not to gossip about others.” 

A close friend of Fayer, Abdoulie Saadiq Bah told What’s On-Gambia that he cannot understand why some Gambians are disturbed by Fayer’s decision to model. 

What’s On-Gambia would like to encourage all the commentators to tame their tongues and avoid the use of profanity/foul language.