Following the Akoa Pygmies, nowadays extinct, the Mpongwe people are the first inhabitants of Libreville, on the north bank of the Gabon estuary. The number of Mpongwe speakers has now dropped under 5000. In awareness of their traditional heritage being threatened with extinction, the Mpongwe have created structures for the protection of their language and culture.

Songs by Mrs Ozuwe

She’s from Gabon, she talks… and sings in Mpongwe : meet Mrs Ozuwe! Discover her songs, verses and lullabies, filmed by our chief operator Muriel Lutz in 2009.

Notice : Two of the songs featured in this video have no subtitles, as no one has been able to translated them at this point. Should you have a translation to suggest, however, please do not hesitate to contact us at: contact@sorosoro.org

Linguist : Patrick Mouguiama-Daouda
Image and sound : Muriel Lutz
Editing : Caroline Laurent

Song by Henriette

She’s also from Gabon, she’s also signing for us… meet Henriette !

Linguist : Patrick Mouguiama-Daouda
Image and sound : Muriel Lutz
Editing : Caroline Laurent