Fashion Forward: The Asobi
I’ve been sportin’ asobis long before they were cool.
Just two of the many photos of my brother and I matching when we were little.
Mom and me asobis go way back.
So imagine my excitement when I finally found myself in a country where asobis are not just stylish but THE COOLEST thing you could possibly wear.
An asobi is matching fabric. The fabric can be tailored into the same design or a different one and it is still considered an asobi. You can match with one person or a whole group.
In The Gambia, asoibs are not only reserved for bridesmaids at weddings, but really any special occasion such as regional meetups or football contests. Really, the who-what-where-when-why of an asobi is not important – just wear an asobi and you are automatically asserted the highest compliment of all compliments: “nice, nice.”
Friend Asobi! Meghan and me
Every new cohort gets an asobi for the swear-in ceremony. Education 2014-2016 aka Terminal T
Friend Asobi! When my friend Nora came to visit, we got asobis. … Obviously!
For our football final, my section of the neighborhood all got an asobi to support our team!
Me and my mom when she came to visit!
More mom and me asobi!
Foni Asobi! Our region sported this look at our All-Vol conference and proved the rumors true that the Fonis are too fancy.
–JDF
So cool. I LOVE the fabric and colors. Now why didn’t Malcolm make us all Asobi’s when we visited? I can’t be too mad at him because he did purchase me some beautiful fabric to bring back home. Not sure where we would all wear our Asobi’s if we came home with matching outfits. But it sure would make for a cool Christmas card. Again, thanks for sharing your stories. I received your lovely card. Greetings and hugs to you and Leo.