How ML Jatta Is Transforming Homes and Inspiring a New Generation Through Art

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

What began as a passion for painting has grown into a story of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship in The Gambia.

Modou Lamin Jatta, widely known as Meaty or ML Jatta, says determination, innovation, and practical skills have helped him turn his passion into a career.

Hailing from Jambure Kuta in the Central River Region North, Jatta has established himself in the country’s growing decoration industry.

He began his journey as a painter but has since become the founder of ML Deco, a business specialising in modern interior and exterior decoration that transforms ordinary spaces into customised environments.

For Jatta, decoration is more than applying paint or arranging designs.

“I started with painting, but now I focus on decoration. For me, this is communication in the form of art,” he said.

His approach has attracted clients from different parts of the country. Every project, he says, is tailored to reflect each customer’s vision while meeting their expectations.

“Whenever I decorate a house or a place, it feels different. Every project is carefully crafted to meet the customer’s expectations,” he added.

Jatta’s journey has not been without challenges. Before discovering his passion for decoration, he was regarded as a promising athlete with a future in sports.

After completing high school, however, he chose to pursue vocational skills instead, a decision that surprised many and drew criticism from those who questioned his direction.

Rather than allowing the criticism to discourage him, Jatta says he used it as motivation.

“The people who once doubted me have now become my biggest motivators. I refused to let criticism stop me from pursuing my dream,” he said.

Today, ML Deco continues to expand, providing employment opportunities for young Gambians who share his interest in creativity and craftsmanship.

“Now I have a dedicated team of young people, and together we are making progress,” he said.

Jatta believes vocational skills can provide a pathway to economic empowerment, particularly for young people facing unemployment.

He encourages Gambians to embrace practical skills, saying talent combined with hard work can create sustainable livelihoods.

“There is a lot of benefit in learning skills. People just need to embrace them. Gambians should trust us, and we will deliver,” he said.

Jatta says his business has significantly improved his quality of life, allowing him to support both himself and his family while pursuing a career he enjoys.

“Today, I can support myself and my family through my work,” he said.

As demand for ML Deco continues to grow, Jatta says he hopes his journey will encourage more young people to consider vocational skills as a path to self-employment and economic opportunity.

From humble beginnings with a paintbrush to running a decoration business, Modou Lamin Jatta’s journey reflects how vocational skills and entrepreneurship can create opportunities for individuals and the communities they serve.