Last week, I had an incredible opportunity to witness the mesmerizing performance of “Moaka na ndima or the aka pygmy in the forest” in Paris, presented by the Ndima Group from the Republic of Congo. The concert is one of the events of the Rhizomes Festival which offers people appointments from July 1 to 23, 2023 to celebrate the “All-World”, its rhythms, sounds and wonders from the five continents, through an anthology of cross-cultural encounters, free concerts and magical walks between old oaks, young shoots and other wild grasses.
“Moaka na ndima” was an amazing and emotional journey into the equatorial forest, where we explored the history of the aka man and his musical heritage which is currently threatened with extinction. The musicians of the Ndima Group showcased their unique vocal techniques as well as the expression of the bewitching melodies with chordophones.
“Moaka na ndima” truly showed us the lively Aka Pygmy musical tradition. With their diverse songs, the Ndima Group took us on a journey to the forest, making us value this endangered cultural heritage.
At the same time, after watching the performance of the Ndima Group, my friend and I were deeply moved and also felt that music knows no borders. They excel at using natural “gifts” as instruments, which is similar to many artistic performances in China. My research topic aims to explore how mainland China and Hong Kong’s high-quality art and culture can have the opportunity to receive international support, perform on a global stage, and gain recognition worldwide, just like the Ndima Group.
PS: Rhizomes 2023 also supported by Institutional and financial partners (including The Ministry of Culture, France) and cultural and media partners.