A Personal Tribute to Taka Titi: The Rhythms of Janjanbureh, and a Friend Who Beat the Drum for Our Dreams

Jane Smith founder of Just Act Gambia

and a long time visitor

Janjanbureh, our beloved island, mourns the loss of one of its most vibrant heartbeats.

Lamin Keita, known to all as "Taka Titi," passed away on April 12, 2025. His absence will be felt deeply across The Gambia, and by countless visitors like myself who were touched by his incredible spirit.

For decades, Taka Titi was more than a cultural performer; he was the welcoming rhythm of Janjanbureh, a guardian of tradition, and a passionate storyteller. For me and our charity, Just Act Gambia , he was an invaluable friend and partner.

I simply cannot comprehend that when I return to Janjanbureh I will not walk through town and hear Taka Titi’s drums and distinctive voice in the distance; wander along to the Freedom Tree Triangle, along to the ferry and him simply not being there. He always, always drummed for me to dance, recognising my particular rhythm, perhaps slower now for my aging limbs. If school groups were there, tourist, any captive audience he would then interrupt his story telling to include the work of Just Act Gambia

The Unforgettable Beat: A Personal Connection

My journey to Janjanbureh began in 2004, and it wasn't long before I encountered Taka Titi. His energy was infectious from our very first meeting. It wasn't just his mastery of the drums, but the way he embodied the spirit of Janjanbureh.

He was often the first face visitors saw stepping off the ferry, his powerful drumming a unique fanfare. After founding Just Act Gambia in 2010 with the late Hon. Foday Jibani Manka to train local tour guides, Taka Titi’s drums became my personal soundtrack. Whether returning from a trip or simply walking through the community, the sound of his drums signalled welcome, warmth, and shared purpose.

It's a rhythm I will forever carry in my heart and deeply miss. I am sure my first return will be bathed in tears.

Beyond the Drums:

A Problem Solver and Community Champion

Taka Titi was resourceful. The main aim of Just Act Gambia was to train local youths to become tour guides for their beloved island and encourage the typical tourists who come to see the hippos to extend their stay and learn more about the island and surrounding area.

I vividly recall a challenge in 2012 when we struggled to secure licenses after our first guide training with demands for numerous documentation. It was Taka who proposed, "Let's all travel the long journey to Banjul to sort it." And we did. His presence during those arduous attempts to gain documentation was invaluable. While not all hurdles were cleared immediately, his quiet influence and respected standing undoubtedly helped us make crucial progress, a testament to his willingness to go the extra mile, not just beating the drum for our stories, but actively helping to clear our path. I took the photo below on that occasion.

Taka The Educator

What truly set Taka Titi apart was his profound dedication to his community and his powerful communication. He wasn't just entertaining; he was educating. He used his art to share vital messages on health, environmental awareness, and Janjanbureh's rich history. For Just Act Gambia, he was our voice on the ground, passionately explaining our mission to visitors, weaving our goals into his stories and performances. He truly believed in our work.

Our work at Just Act Gambia, and later with Gambian JUST ACT NYC, extended beyond training youth; it was about instilling the importance of community service. A perfect example was our environmental cleaning initiatives. Taka's drumming provided the rhythm and motivation, encouraging us all to work with dedication. I remember one particular TV report that captured me, hot, sweaty, and covered in Sub-Saharan sand, but driven by the collective energy fuelled by Taka’s beat!

A Pillar of the Kankurang Festival

and Cultural Legacy

Taka Titi was a central figure in the annual Kankurang Festival, serving as Deputy Public Relations Officer from 2018-2020. His iconic presence and drumming were foundational to the masquerade's power and mystique. He also played a crucial role in establishing the Kankurang Centre and Museum, ensuring this intangible cultural heritage is preserved, even crafting some of the masks on display.

His passing is a profound loss for Janjanbureh and The Gambia. He was a community pillar, a bridge between tradition and the present, and a tireless champion for his people, dedicating over 35 years to cultural performance as a tool for social development.

“We lost a library..." a local stated

“We lost a library. May his gentle soul rest in peace. He was a humble cultural and traditional historian who was proud of our cultures and without doubt promoted it as his profession”

Chris Sylla, an experienced Gambian supporter over many years but at the coast, visiting Janjanbureh for the first time for the Kankurang Festival in 2024, captured in this video , where she recognised him as a 'true legend'..

As we mourn, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy Taka Titi leaves behind. He taught us the power of culture, community, and the beauty of unifying rhythm. He showed us that a single drumbeat can carry countless stories, and a generous spirit leaves an indelible mark.

Honouring His Memory: Support for His Family

To honor Taka Titi's memory and support his family—his five sons and household who have lost their main provider—we have launched this GoFundMe campaign. His home, a place of powerful drumming and welcoming spirit, needs urgent reconstruction. By contributing, we can ensure the family of this remarkable man, who gave so much, receives the support they desperately need.

Let us carry forward Taka Titi's spirit: generosity, cultural pride, and unwavering dedication to community.

Janjanbureh won't be the same without his drums by the ferry, but his rhythms will forever echo in our hearts and stories.