Bongo

Explore Diverse Cuban Music Genres

Our lessons are designed for all music levels and are available as individual or group sessions. While focusing on bongos, you’ll also explore other Cuban instruments such as maracas, güiro, clave, cencerro, and chequere, along with their rhythmic patterns.

Together, we will delve into various genres of Cuban music, including Rumba (Guaguanco, Yambú, Columbia), Palo, Bolero, Danzon, Cha Cha Cha, Pilon, Mosambique, Mambo, and Son. In addition to rhythm and playing techniques, you’ll learn about music history and prominent musicians associated with these instruments. With a joyful approach, we’ll gradually develop our own repertoire and ideas.

Photo of set of bongos

Teacher

  • Mounkassa Williams (Bebito)
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    Mounkassa Williams (Bebito)

    Cuban drummer and percussionist Wiljoph Sunday Mounkassa Williams was born in Madingou (Congo-Brazzaville). At the age of three, he returned with his mother to her homeland of Cuba.

    He was discovered by the master and great musician Rafael Inciarte (clarinetist and musical director of the group Compay Segundo) and was accepted into the secondary school for artistic professions REGINO ELADIO BOTI [GUANTANAMO, CUBA]. There, Wiljoph Sunday began his training as a drummer.

    After four years, he entered the ESTEBAN SALAS music college (SANTIAGO DE CUBA, CUBA), but shortly afterwards moved to Havana for family reasons. There he began his career as a professional musician and was represented by various companies and agencies such as: Ignacio Pineiro, Benny Moré, Turarte, Musicaribe (Varadero-Matanzas), etc.

    In these companies, where he was under contract as a professional musician (as a drummer), he had the opportunity to become part of well-known music groups such as: La Ritmo Oriental by the master and great musician Enrique Lazaga, Aroma de Cuba, Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito) and his Tierra Firme, Latin Bells, Michel Maza and his orchestra, Vania Borges and Band, Yoel Drigs and Puro Sabor, and many more. He also had the opportunity to accompany excellent singers such as Oma.

    Courses

    • Afro-Cuban Percussion Ensemble

    • Bongo

    • Cajón

    • Conga

    • Timbales

    Languages

    German, English, Spanish