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Bonga a musical virtuoso from Haiti who has been performing and studying traditional Haitian drum, dance and song since the age of seven. He began at the age of seven, playing in his family peristil in the La Plaine region of Haiti. Bonga is regarded as a master of the Haitian drum, sought-after for his extensive repertoire of African Vodou rhythms. He is well versed in a wide range of musical styles, including jazz and blues. A dynamic performer, accompanist, session player and educator, Bonga works on stage, in the recording studio and in workshop settings. Bonga also excels on the mbira, an African thumb piano which delights young audiences. He is one of the few expert craftsmen outside of Haiti who continues to build drums and musical instruments using centuries-old techniques. As a core member of Boukman Eksperyans and Foula, Bonga was invited to the U.S. in the early '90s, a time when leading rasin (roots) musicians were becoming a strong voice for the Haitian people. Since then Haitiian roots music "mizik rasin" has gained a worldwide following and Bonga, an original practitioner, has continued to play solo and in ensemble. Bonga has appeared at international and U.S. venues including Paris, Montreal, New Orleans, Japan and Australia. With the band Rara Machine, he opened for the Rolling Stones "Voodoo Lounge" tour. He performs and records with Jean Paul-Bourelly, Grace Jones and is a company member of Urban Tap. Bonga's drums are featured prominently on recordings by Wyclef Jean and Salif Keita. Bonga's first full length CD Kanzo, a collection of songs with traditional Vodou rhythms. Kanzo incorporates elements of jazz, blues and funk to create a dynamic version of Haiti's traditional roots music: mizik rasin. The recording features long time Lou Reed bassist Fernando Saunders, and Frank London, a founding member of the Klezmatics along with a nine-piece ensemble that includes an explosive drum battery, kreyol chorus and renegade horn section. Bonga also collaborates with his son Tiga who plays Haitian drums and didgeridoo. Check out the artist's website: http://www.bongamusic.com Track List: 1. Sa Ka Mache - This Can Work 2. Rescued 3. Father & Son 4. Cross 5. Wongol - Get Together Again 6. Creativity 7. Soukri - Contact Africa 8. Panama Hat 9. Love 10. Ogun 11. How We Doin? 12. Tanbou Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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