Africa-Press – Gambia. The people of Janjanbureh, admirers of Gambian heritage, and lovers of cultural preservation are calling for support to assist the family of Lamin Keita widely known as Taka Titi, the late legendary cultural communicator, performer, and community educator who passed away on April 12, 2025.
To honour his memory and provide urgent support to his grieving family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched: https://gofund.me/4586d8d7
For those unable to donate via GoFundMe, contributions can also be sent through WAVE to: Lamin MM Keita at – 220 355 5470.
The appeal was initiated at the request of those who knew, admired, and worked with Taka Titi during his extraordinary life, including one of his fans and close friends, Jane Smith, who is coordinating the fundraising efforts.
Taka Titi, originally from Niamina but based in Janjanbureh, dedicated over 35 years of his life to using Gambian cultural performance as a tool for communication, advocacy, and social development. Through storytelling, traditional music, and iconic drum performances, he delivered powerful messages on topics such as – Nutrition and child protection, Climate change and youth migration, Gender-based violence and women’s empowerment, Arts, culture, and tourism promotion, and lots more.
His signature style, always accompanied by three drums, earned him nationwide acclaim. His symbolic drum performances, especially at the McCarthy Ferry Terminal where he welcomed visitors, became a cherished tradition.
A regular feature at annual Janjanbureh Kankurang and Maquerade Festival initiation, national campaigns, and community events, Taka Titi was instrumental in developing Kankurangs mummy for the Kankurang Centre and Museum in Janjanbureh, contributing to its early formation in 2007–2008 and crafting several masks now on display.
Despite his massive contributions to national culture and community service, Taka Titi’s family is now facing serious financial hardship. Their home is in urgent need of repairs, especially as the rainy season begins. The support raised will also help provide stability for his children and preserve the family legacy of a man who gave everything to his people.
As Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture described him, Taka Titi was a “consummate, accessible, and highly intelligent cultural animator.” His loss is a national one, and so too should be the effort to support his family.
This is a call to action to all cultural lovers, friends, fans, and Gambians at home and abroad with everyone that loved his work and communication to ensure that Taka Titi’s legacy does not fade into hardship or silence. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a difference.
Let us honour Taka Titi not just in words, but in deeds.
Let us preserve not just his memory, but his family’s future and let his drums continue sounding.
Donate via GoFundMe https://gofund.me/4586d8d7 or send via WAVE to Lamin MM Keita on +220 355 5470.
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