Brother/Uncle Oko,

I am deeply saddened by this news.  A loss for Gambia, a loss for Half-Die.
I can see him, his smile, his unhurried walk, hear his response to my
greeting.  Njagga and the others embodied the variety, the culture, the
intelligence, and the richness of life that was 'afdie'.  A repository of
knowledge, historians... I never thought to document the poetry of my uncles
in that part of town during my school days, but it's been my intention to do
so as a contribution toward the revitalization of Half-Die and Banjul and
'Dekali chosaan'.

Yalna deh di noflie yam.  Yalna ko Yalla haareh arjana.

Ya Soffie

-----Original Message-----
From: Oko Drammeh [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 7:59 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Obituary a of Gambian poet


Ladies and gentlemen,

I am your Gambian brother, bringing you news from my Gambian nation.
Safely back from the Gambia I am back in Holland and glad to be back
with you on the list again.

I have some great news from home but first I want to make an obituary
announcement for the passing of a great friend and legend of Gambian
poetry and musical rhymes, Mr. Njaja Poh of 6 Zebra str. in Banjul. His
real name was Matarr Joufe. He died on the 25th of December at 10 in the
morning, in his home on Zebra street.

Njaja Poh was a poet, and an inspiration to Gambian musicians and poets,
with his famous translations of the Wollof language into segments and
poetic verses that awakened and enlightened the youths of Banjul,
especially the mass movement and the creation of the Afro-Manding sounds
by Paps Touray, Ifanbondi, the Gelewarr band and the Magadan jazz band.
Njaja was well kown and recognised throughout Gambia and Senegal among
the connaiseurs of poetry.

He invented "Hamham dafa lahu" -  knowledge is hidden.

"You cannot force it, and when you force it anyway, you lose it." -
Njaja Poh (quote of the 60's/70's)

Myself and the artistic community in the Gambia celebrated him well
after his death. He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital in a very
dignified manner, and all his friends and loved ones attended his
funeral.

His legacy continues and his story will follow.

May his soul rest in peace.

Your friend, Oko Drammeh

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To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/CGI/wa.exe?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]

To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html

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