Professional Instruments From Gabon
​Shipped Worldwide From The UK

The 8-string harp from Gabon is called ngombi, and belongs to the ancient family of arched harps that can be seen in the pictographic rock art at the Ennedi Plateau in Chad and the Tassili n'Ajjer cave paintings in Algeria, as well as in Egyptian frescoes. This particular harp is made from a central-African variety of mahogany, with gazelle skin stretched over the resonator body. Originally the strings were made from a type of plant fiber, recently replaced with fishing string for durability. Though harps of similar shape and form are found all across central Africa today, the music of the Gabonese Ngombi is distinctly unique, characterised by 2 simultaneous interlocked rhythms of different time signatures played at a high speed. This music is classical to Bwiti and Mbiri - vibrant spiritual traditions practiced by people of the rainforest in Gabon.

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Bokaye!

Bokaye is a master consecrated harpist and craftsman of the Fang people of Central Africa. 

Each harp is carved by hand and symbolises the body and voice of Nyingwan Mbege, the Sister of God, and Mother of the Universe. 

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Essama Ene Evora
We Are One And The Same

Bokaye Playing Ngombi at Ebando

Ebando in Libreville, Gabon is a Non-Governmental Organisation which aims to give broader access to the cultural heritage found in various regions of Central Africa, including forest habitats, savannas, rivers, lakes and lagoons.

The Ebando family encourage the transmission of traditional knowledge and practices, including philosophy and oral traditions, art and crafts, and the healing skills of the Bantu and Pygmy peoples from the Ogooué basin region of Gabon.​