The team
Not a staff. Stewards of a lineage. The twin Dissumba (Fang) and Misoko-Ngondé (Akèlè Simba) 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) · Misoko Ngondé (1994)
Hugues Obiang Poitevin, known as Tatayo. Arrived in Gabon in 1971. Initiated into the Bwiti Fang Dissumba in 1979, then into the Bwiti Misoko Ngondé na Dipouma 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
Traditional practitioner
Local pharmacopoeia
Prepares a natural antimalarial remedy during the stay at Ebando (an alternative to standard antimalarial medication for visitors).
Bokaye
Musician · Ngombi
Sacred harp of the Bwiti
Player of the Ngombi, the ritual harp of the Bwiti. Teaches harp lessons (including online).
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.
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.
The extended team
Around the referents, other members keep Ebando alive day to day. Some faces are already among us; further portraits will join them over time.
Mbilou
Maïngo
Yombo na Maboundi
Pembi
Audrey Mengue · chair 2022-2024
Ngando
Abibetou Kondoo · Maboundi na Yombo
Reliba
Gnomba Juliette · Maboundi na Yombo
Constantina
Kitchen · key support
Kene
Portrait to come
Nzaou
Portrait to come
Mengola
Portrait to come
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