MBONGI

by Christopher Hedge - Titos Sompa

At the end of the day, people in the village gather around a fire. They come to discuss, to make music, to confront problems, and to touch the world of spirit. This creates community. This is Mbongi.

Mbongi (pronounced Bone-gee) is a Kongolese word that means "the learning circle". Mbongi reduces social barriers , promotes unguarded interaction, and inspires respect and joy.

When Titos Sompa and Christopher Hedge get together with an audience it is also called a Mbongi. It is as much an action and an event as it is the name of this project.

The music of Mbongi is influenced by a wide range of musical styles. Titos and Chris naturally find the common ground. They work with instruments and musicians from around the world. Classical, American Folk, Jazz and Irish folk, Mississippi blues and Big Band swing are just a few of the musical styles that contributed to the birth of Mbongi.

The Mbongi style of music and poetry is not an abstract, conscious attempt to combine world music but rather, the inevitable expression of its' creators. The chance meeting of Christopher Hedge and Titos Sompa has resulted in an ensemble of musicians that embody the inclusive philosophy that is community, that is Mbongi.