• PEOPLE NAME: JOLA-FONYI OF GAMBIA

Affinity Group: Sub-Saharan African Peoples

Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan African

People Cluster: Atlantic-Jola

Language: Jola-Fonyi - (dyo)

Alternate Name(s): Jola-Fonyi, Joola Fooni

Primary Religion: Islam - Folk

Country: Gambia

Also found in: France; Guinea-Bissau; Mauritania; Senegal

Population: 139,000

Global Population: 518,600


PEID: 42193

ROP: 102625

Progress of the Gospel: Engaged yet Unreached

Global Status of Evangelical Christianity: Less than 2% Evangelical, No Active CP Activity


Overview: The Jola-Fonyi of Gambia, numbering 139,000, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are part of the Atlantic-Jola people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. Globally, this group totals 518,600 in 5 countries. Their primary language is Jola-Fonyi. The primary religion practiced by the Jola-Fonyi is folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur'an to bring about miraculous healings.


Bible Translations: Available

Jesus Film: Available

Gospel Recordings: Available

Radio Broadcast: Not Available