Feel the Rhythm

Dive deep into Congo’s ancestral heart with traditional ngoma percussion and dance

Learn the Ngwakatour with us

Traditional percussion and dance lessons in Brazzaville

Group Classes and private lessons

Engage in group sessions with those who inherited the art from the ancestors. Lessons not only allow to explore incredibly beautiful body movements, but also foster deeper connection with Congolese cultural roots, enriching your understanding and appreciation of this timeless tradition.

Professional Residencies

Collaborate with the best ngoma and dance professionals, who bring a wealth of experience and creativity. Whether you are looking to find new inspiration or cross-fertilisation in your stile, we are dedicated to give a unique enriching experience that will enhance your artistic journey.

Children Lessons

Children and the ngoma is love at first sight! We love working with children, we help them to discover the power in their little hands. Hard to get a written review though

FAQs

Who can join?

Everyone—children, adults, beginners, and pros - the ngoma has a generous spirit, it welcomes all people

Which languages are you able to work with?

We can offer tuition in English, French, Italian and of course - lari and lingala - but also bambara!

Is it difficult to travel to Congo Brazzaville?

Sure there might be a bit of travel time, but Brazzaville is well-linked to other African countries and to major hubs in Europe, America, and Asia. We can organize or help you out with everything travel-related, from places to stay to all the logistics, plus any other fun stuff you may want to check out while you’re in the Congo. In the not so distant future, l'Espace Kangou may be able to provide accommodation, for 24/7 immersive experience. Choice of fruit at the market is unparalleled.

Is it safe to travel to Congo Brazzaville?

The Congo Brazzaville is a safe country. We enjoy political stability, efficient epidemics control, good quality standards of life and high quality medical care presence, and all the mods and cons of modern life, including international banks, pharmacies, supermarkets and shopping malls (and traditional markets too) and a good coffee place. Bacongo is a buzzy place with a vibrant community and plenty of cultural and fun opportunities that can be enjoyed sans soucis! The usual caveats apply as for all tropical travel: appropriate measures for protection against malaria, endemic and transmissible diseases must be taken to avoid swapping the dance floor for the clinic.

Do I need equipment?

We have everything necessary for the activities – 12 tam tams for adults and 14 for children, along with four miqwities, three petengues, four ngongis, and a sea of maracas, the heartbeat of any African percussion rhythm. We also have plenty of rafia skirts, anklets, arm nsakala, traditional costumes, and yes yes, we will perform in traditional attire, as in the "Mandolando" featured in Na Vumbuka. If chance wants, you may even perform along with the Compagnie Kangou in one of their shows, and ride the wave of likes on your social media pages. As we are continually seeking out new instruments, we also play two sabars, one tama, and a few vintage instruments whose spirits can only be awakened by those with special talents. We also enjoy experimenting with "invented" instruments, so you could try your hand at one or, why not, create your own. Naturally, you could bring your own instruments along, we love to jam. Or if you cannot part with your tam tam, you can take it with you and we will assist with the administration (friendly reminder, wood is protected here).

When is the best time to travel to Congo Brazzaville?

The cool season is late May to September and unless you love scorching hot weather, summertime is best, and probably, convenient for annual leave. The hottest and rainiest month is January, but the silver lining is that downpours tend to come during nightime. Wellies (and earplugs) might be helpful.