Wedding Party
Mariama M Bangura
Bride
Nicknamed 'Barbie' from school, Mariama is a medical doctor, public health professional, and surgeon in the making. But beyond medicine, she has also walked the runway as a model (yahnnn), stood as a changemaker, remained a lifelong advocate, and embraced her love for all things pink. "This relationship has always felt written in the stars. Meeting Ken, becoming his partner, and soon his wife, feels like something straight out of a movie; our very own “Barbie and Ken” love story. He popped into my life and somehow, almost effortlessly, found his way to meeting the “board of directors”, my friends, on the very first day. From our phones setting us up to exchange numbers when AirDrop failed to transfer photos he had taken, (or maybe he used that trick to get my number), to that quiet, beautiful moment when we both realized… this was something we wanted. Something real. Ken is the best kind of person you will ever meet, and if you’re reading this, it means he has touched your life in some meaningful way, and that’s simply the Ken effect. He shows up, he gives, he cares, and he leaves a mark you can’t ignore. And somehow, I get to call him mine. This journey is a beautiful fulfillment of God’s word in my life. Welcome to the Barbie & Ken story!
Ken Saro-Wiwa Fofana
Groom
Ken Saro-Wiwa Bibuye Ramadan Fofana is many things to many people but the best way to describe him would be to call him a textbook people person. A creative who prefers not to call himself one, a relaxed philosopher, and an overall humane person. Born and raised in the east of Freetown, (east coast stand up!) he is proud of his roots, and optimistic in his approach to almost everything. He may also have a touch of OCD but we are still investigating. A hopeless romantic, fierce friend, and decent human, he is a feminist who says as much as his principles have been shaped by the great men in his life, it is the heroines that have given his life color and personality. "They say behind every great man, there is a woman. I don’t completely agree with that saying. I believe there are great men because of women, and that they often stand beside them, not behind them. In my case, Mariama has consistently shown me that not only is she my equal in many areas, but my superior in others, and it is because of her that I have been able to grow into who I've become in the last decade, and there’s no one I’d rather take this journey with. I look forward to a life of love, friendship, trust, and patience with her."
Deborah E A Bayoh
Maid of Honor
Deborah is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone and a serving member of the Sierra Leone Police - powers to arrest, charge and prosecute. Tread lightly around her. She is the Maid of Honor and has known and loved the bride for a whopping 18 years and is now more of a sister than a friend. She is practically family now and such a regular at the house that arrangements are currently being made to make it her an unofficial residence outside of her matrimonial home. She says "I’m grateful to have been in her (the bride) life to witness the inception of this relationship to usay wi dɔn rich so naw, and without a doubt, na big map gɛt fɔ de." The Turnt (loud) friend
Joan Charles
Best Woman
I am Joan Charles. For those who don’t know me, I am the only groomswoman and the third wheeler (about to sign off on that duty) to this beautiful union and I’ve had the privilege of knowing the groom for over ten years. He’s been a loyal friend, someone who shows up, stands by you, and always brings a sense of calm (and sometimes mischief) wherever he goes. But as much as I’ve appreciated those qualities over the years, I’ve never seen him happier or more complete than being with Mariama. It’s been an absolute honor witnessing this love and having a front row seat as a certified third wheeler 😉 To the bride, thank you for loving him the way you do, you’ve brought out the very best in him, and it’s clear to all of us how much you both mean to each other. B&K💕
Chrispina Shooter
Bridesmaid
Mrs. Chrispina Thorpe-Shooter is an Administrative Professional with a background in Social Sciences, yet also the life of the party. Clock it!!🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾 A best friend turned sister to the bride. Team grumble grumble 🤣, from girlhood dreams to womanhood goals 🥂 . Two friends chasing sunsets, collecting memories, and turning 'what ifs' into 'look at us now. Chrispina says to "Kindly ignore Debs, I’m actually the loudest 🙈." throwing down a gauntlet to challenge for who the loudest is.
Agyeman Taqi
Groomsman
They say you never get to meet your Heroes, but that is not the case for Ken. Ken met me when VIP access was still free. I am Agyeman Murad Taqi Ken’s trusted friend, unofficial life consultant, and the man brave enough to stand beside him today as his Best Man. A Developer and a Systems analyst by profession, I spend my days solving complex problems — which makes supporting Ken one of my most impressive achievements yet. Known for offering advice whether requested or not, Ken balances wisdom, sarcasm, and loyalty in equal measure. Somewhere between responsible adult and professional trouble-avoider, Ken represents the friendship, laughter, and steady support that has carried him all the way to this beautiful moment. Cheers to Forever with the love of your life my friend❤️..#B&K
Umu
Bridesmaid
I’m Umu-Hawa Rogers, a physician and surgeon-in-training by day, mama to one, and forever sister to our beautiful bride. If you had told me, walking through the corridors of JSS at THE Annie Walsh Memorial School, that I would meet a lifelong friend who would become my sister, A fɔ dɔn gi yu wan luk and told you to kneel down (yɛs na so a bin de). Yet, somewhere between assembly lines, orange belts and blackboards, I met Mariama. In fact, she loved me so much she followed me to Limount College after I left (yes, I take full credit for that decision). Somewhere between school corridors, big dreams, and life’s many plot twists, she became not just my friend, but my sister and co-conspirator in the healthcare and public health space. There are so many things I could say about her; she is kind, consistent, reliable, hardworking, intelligent… the list goes on. But to me, Mariama is my “yes, we can make that happen, what do you need?” sister. She’s my call at random times of the day to share my slightly unhinged ideas about fixing healthcare policies and health systems in Sierra Leone. She listens, and calmly says, “Yes sis, we can make that happen”, and she actually follows through and makes it happen. Which is both inspiring… and slightly dangerous. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch her be so deeply and loudly loved by our Okor. And now, I get not one, but two brilliant minds to entertain my ideas. Ọkọ, welcome to the team.
Ahmoudi Fofana
Groomsman
Ahmoudi, AKA Ing. Too Sweet, is Ken’s first cousin and was the original younger brother before there was Kanja. A Civil Engineer who moonlights as a fashionista, he is the bridge between traditional Mandingo culture and a western free-spirited nature. "I’ve known the bride for 5-6 years now. She’s funny, friendly, and kind. She played a meaningful role in my career as a civil engineer (long story for another day 😄). She’s a great listener and always someone you can count on."
Bernadette Jarrett
Bridesmaid
Bernadette Marian Jarrett, also known as Bernie Jay, is a civil engineer with a passion for project management especially scheduling and planning and a seasoned baker who knows her way around sweetness. The bride and I go way back to the days of internet café browsing (iykyk), trekking, and enjoying meals at her home on Crook Street, memories I’ll always cherish. You better believe I’m the crew’s comedian, always keeping the bride and the girls laughing till their sides hurt. But please, don’t look for me on the dance floor that’s not my ministry 😁 Oh, and I’m proud to say I add that extra sweetness to the bride’s life as her favorite cake plug, you’ll definitely agree once you taste the cakes at #B&K2026 I’m super excited for what’s ahead as we journey beautifully to B&K2026!
Kanja Fofana
Brother & Groomsman
Kanja Ibrahim Fofana. Also known as KIF is a civil engineering student who also dabbles in photography from time to time capturing memories that last a lifetime. "I am the younger brother of the groom. I've seen him become this amazing and incredible “old” man. Advice, jokes, “Reels” the man has it alllll. I am incredibly proud of the person he has become and what he is yet to accomplish as he takes this step in his life." "I'd also like to thank MM (the bride) for everything she has done for Ken to help him grow and be better and for the client she has provided me with as well 😂 Enough said. Cheers to B&K2026 ❤️ and to a lifetime of matrimony. Tell them that we are comingggggg!!!