Exploring Boma Village, Sierra Leone

Mami Wata: The Powerful Water Goddess

In West African folklore, Mami Wata is depicted as a beautiful and powerful water goddess. She embodies both a woman and a fish, wielding the power to bring both fortune and misfortune to those around her. According to the legend in Boma, many years ago, she appeared in the dreams of the village chief, warning that for Boma to flourish, his successor must be a woman.

This story is particularly striking, especially knowing that not only did the chief heed her words, but he also willingly broke from the patriarchal norms, leading to a lineage of female chiefs in Boma. Mami Wata is clearly not a figure to take lightly.

The Family Legacy

Chief Kadie hails from a long line of matriarchs. “It all started with my great-grandmother, the first female chief here. Then my grandmother, my mother, and now it’s my turn,” she shares. Despite being born into such a powerful lineage, Kadie didn’t always aspire to leadership. As a child, witnessing her mother shoulder the responsibilities of the entire village, she often wondered if she could ever fulfill such a heavy role.

However, Kadie eventually realized she had a mission to accomplish. “I knew I wanted to bring change to the lives of the people,” she says. While leadership may run in her genes, the position of village chief isn’t inherited; Kadie had to run for election just like any other political candidate.

Reform and Development

The chiefs of Boma are elected by the community of 375 residents, who expect their leader to resolve conflicts and bring peace and prosperity to the village. Elected in 2009, Kadie has made promising strides, overseeing the construction of a guesthouse and the installation of six public toilets along with solar lighting, as well as introducing new health and social initiatives within her first six months in office.

Welcoming Visitors

If Chief Kadie ever feels the weight of her responsibilities, she certainly doesn’t show it. She leads with unwavering dedication and rarely takes a day off. When she does find a rare moment to unwind, she enjoys spending time in her fields, tending to her crops. The economy of Boma relies on agriculture, where residents grow rice, cocoa, palm, and cassava to sustain themselves and make a living.

Community tourism is also thriving. Starting in 2026, Intrepid travelers will receive a warm welcome from Chief Kadie and other residents of Boma on their new journey. After touring the village along the banks of the Moa River, visitors can help plant or harvest rice, learn about local customs (such as the taboo of pounding cassava at night or walking through the village with an uncovered fan), and if they’re brave enough, they can participate in the traditional “devil dance,” accompanied by lively drumming and masked figures dancing.

Community Benefits

For Chief Kadie, welcoming visitors is not just about cultural exchange; it’s also an opportunity to enhance the lives of the community. “Meeting people from all over the world is a blessing,” she says. “Their support has been profoundly felt. Visitors also benefit by learning about our way of life and witnessing our cultural activities.” The financial gains from tourism allow Boma to provide scholarships, skills training, and healthcare for its residents.

Heritage and the Future

“I want to be remembered as the chief who brought positive changes to Boma. Developments like schools, clinics, and improved roads,” she shares. One day, when Boma needs to find a new chief, perhaps Kadie’s daughter, Hawa, will be a candidate in the election—but that’s not a given. “It’s her right to decide whether to run or not. The people will choose my successor through their votes,” she says.

For Chief Kadie, leadership isn’t about ego or holding power within the family; it’s about fulfilling her duty to the people. Whoever follows in her footsteps will have their path paved by generations of strong women—with a little help from a fierce water goddess—and they must be ready to face the challenges ahead. Her advice for future leaders in Boma and beyond? “You must have compassion and love for your people. Put their interests first. Listen to their needs and provide solutions to their problems without expecting anything in return.”

These words of wisdom are not just for the next generation but are also applicable to today’s global leaders.

Exploring Boma Village, Sierra Leone