Created in November 1999 by the promoter Mr. Leonard BANIEKONA (member of Zone Franche) with the goal of promoting and improving the real Congo traditional music and chorographical creativity in the Republic of Congo, the Brazzaville based drums and dance group NGOMA ZA CONGO, meaning “Drums of Congo” is available for participation to festivals, tours, and performance of drums and dance throughout the world.
FESPAM of BRAZZAVILLE August 2009
FESPAM of Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) July 2007
Folk Music in the Democratic Republic of Congo October 2006
Festival of MALTA June 2005
TANZ and FEST (GERMANY) July 2003
Festival of Music (Florence ITALY) October 2002
XVI Summer Festival Quebec (CANADA) June/July 2002
Festival of MURAT (FRANCE) August 2001
Festival of MONTGUYON (FRANCE) August 2001
FESPAM of Brazzaville, CONGO August 2001
CAJARC Festival July 2001
Francophonie of La Rochelle (FRANCE) July 2001
FIA Festival, Kinshasa (D.R.C) June 2001
Capesterre Festival (GOUADELOUPE) October 2000
Festival Aquafast (GHANA) September 2000
Type: Drums and Dance
Artistic Director: Leonard BANIEKONA
Text: Leonard BANIEKONA
Chorographer: Detmer NZABA
Costume Design and Decoration: Leonard BANIEKONA
The NGOMA ZA CONGO group composed of sixteen (16) artists is in continuous research of new sounds and expressions inspired by different Congolese traditions.
As a result of this spirit of research, the group performance represents a real diversity of sounds and colors from different regions of Congo. Its work is an original fusion of traditional rhythms on one hand and a mixing of traditional and ritual dances on the other hand, all with some influence of contemporary environment.
Under the guidance of its Artistic Director and Founder Leonard BANIEKONA, its Chorographer Detmer NZABA, and its talented drummer Brice Severin TCHIKEBI, the artists of NGOMA ZA CONGO sing and play various sounds of African drums and dances. Their invasion of the scene drives you into the essence of their mythical rhythms, leaving you between a traditional and a modern world.
Enriched by the songs and different sounds of African drums, these rhythms and dances make NGOMA ZA CONGO an outstanding group beyond the common. Coming from different ethnic background, the members of Ngoma Za Kongo also naturally contribute in diversity of the group. Over 45 ethnic groups live in Congo and each of one has its own culture, music sounds, rhythms and dances.
THE SHOW
It’s like a group of ballet. The most recent presentation is “Feast in the village”, set up in 2005.
In this show you will discover the typical feast in an African village.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Length of show: 90 min
Setting up/setting down decoration and instruments: 20 min
Cast: 16 persons
Minimum Stage Size: 60 x 45 ft
Weight of Costumes, Decors and Instruments: 600 lb
CONTACT INFORMATION
AFRICAN CULTURAL CENTER INC
P.O.BOX 3147
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
NEW YORK NY 10163
BOOKING@ACCENTER.ORG | WWW.ACCENTER.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/ACCENTER.ORG
646 500 44 47 | 646 271 48 96
