The crew
Not a staff. Stewards of a lineage. The twin Dissumba (Fang) and Missoko-Ngondey na Dipuma (Simba school) traditions are carried collectively, with respect for roles and for silences.
Disclaimer
The biographical details shown here are sourced strictly from Ebando's public documents (2026 PDFs provided by Tatayo), the public podcasts in which Tatayo has spoken (Jason Grechanik, James W. Jesso ATTMind #130) and Tatayo's book (« Paroles d'un enfant du Bwiti »). They will be enriched over time, in keeping with each person's wishes about what to share or keep private.
The stewards
Tatayo
Co-founder · Lead contact
Bwiti Fang Dissumba (1979) · Missoko-Ngondey (1994)
Hugues Obiang Poitevin, known as Tatayo. Arrived in Gabon in 1971. Initiated into the Bwiti Fang Dissumba in 1979, then into the Bwiti Missoko-Ngondey na Dipuma in 1994. Co-founder of Ebando (1999). Main point of contact for visitors. Recognised as a traditional practitioner by the National Association of Traditional Practitioners of Gabon (ANTPG).
Pemba
Nganga · Traditional practitioner
Missoko-Ngondey na Dipuma (Simba school) · Fang Dissumba (Akoma Mba school)
Phytotherapy, care and healing. A wise, skilled and dedicated nganga.
Katy
Miss Terre · Logistics
Maboundi na Yombo
Logistics and trusted counsel. Present and future, generosity and sincerity. The Boss!
Céline
The Origin Europe · First contact
Reliba · Co-founder of The Origin Europe
Céline (Reliba): Co-founder The Origin and wife of Bokaye (Dissumba Fang Harpist), is often the first point of contact for those wishing to visit Ebando, guiding participants through every stage of their journey with care, clarity, and practical support. Céline (Reliba) and Bokaye accompany people from around the world from their organisation The Origin Europe to Ebando, Gabon.
Bokaye
Harpist Dissumba Fang
Guardian of the Sacred Fang Harp Tradition
Sharing the healing sounds of the sacred Fang harp and his music during initiations, (finely alternating with the Mugongo, and voices).
Maviango
Musician · Mugongo
Traditional musical bow
Player of the Mugongo, the mouth-resonated musical bow. Lessons available on request during a stay.
Mambweté
Musician · Mugongo
Traditional musical bow
Player of the Mugongo, the mouth-resonated musical bow. Lessons available on request during a stay.
Maïngo
Initiatory mother
Yombo na Maboundi
Ambivalent, gentle and effective, even-tempered and dedicated. Talented and humble.
Pemba
Audrey Mengue · chair 2022-2024
Permaculturist · Nutritionist
Initiate. Kind and devoted.
Ngando
Abibetou Kondoo · Maboundi na Yombo
A protective, inspired mother, in the service of the Sacred Wood, Iboga.
Reliba Nzaou
Gnomba Juliette · Maboundi na Yombo
At the heart of both the initiatory tasks and the daily care of the place of transmission.
Constantina
Kitchen · key support
A wonderful cook and head nanny: ever-attentive, and an essential pillar of Ebando.
Kene Sassa Mabouya
Liturgical singer · Accompanying mother
A wonderful liturgical singer and attentive accompanying mother. She passed away at 32 following an urban collective assault. May she rest in peace.
Mengola
Kitchen · Logistics
With integrity, humble and devoted.
The presidency
Prof. Opape Onanga
President since April 2024 · age 73
Psy · initiate · lover of Nature and cultures
Since April 2024, Prof. Opape Onanga has chaired Ebando. A psy, an initiate and a lover of Nature and cultures, he carries the association alongside Tatayo, on the left in the photo.
An initiation is not something that can be rushed. It takes time, and patience.
The crafts passed on
Ngombi
Bokaye
The ritual harp of the Bwiti. Lessons available, including online.
Mugongo
Maviango, Mambweté
The mouth-resonated musical bow, the melodic percussion of the rite. Lessons available on site.
Mopeto
Collective transmission
The traditional torch used during ceremonies.
Handcrafted garments
Ebando workshop
Ritual garments, raffia, sewn according to tradition.
Medicinal plants
Pemba
Local pharmacopoeia, a natural antimalarial remedy.
Archive
The faces you will meet at Ebando did not appear in a profile photo. They have a history, earlier projects, seasons. This photo of Pemba, taken in the 2010s, bears witness to that. Daily life carries on, without a break.
They also pass it on from afar
Bokaye teaches Ngombi lessons (the Bwiti harp), including online, for people who have been initiated at Ebando or who wish to approach the ritual music within a learning setting. A discreet mention, with no commercial call to action. To discuss this, write to Ebando.
Write to Ebando