Ngoma. The sound of this word is like a beating of a drum. The Royal drums. Very precious, they are kept in a secret place. They see daylight very seldom, only during tribal rituals or celebrations.

The biggest one is so heavy, that two men need to lift and hold it, while the third one beats it!
Our visit is such a special celebration, everyone knows about it.

We are welcomed by a crowd of men blowing antelope horns while women clap their hands. After a while the whole village gatyhers in the shadow of a huge mango tree. Blowing horns, rattles, drums – all the sounds mix up creating an african noise of Joy. Everyone dances.

The old witch-doctor invites us to his place to foretell the future. My friend Vincent translates his words. We are surprised and keep on wondering how is it possible he knows so much about our lives? We see each other for the first time. We still remember his words – Not everything in life is a calculation, the most important is what remains.

Pictures !

pic. Irena i Przemek Lisowscy

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