For those into the folkloric side of Afro Cuban music, Mongos early recordings: DRUMS & CHANTS (1955) TOP PERCUSSION(Tito Puente)1958 MONGO SANTAMARIA ‎- AFRO ROOTS ( a compilation of 2 albums - YAMBU (1958) and MONGO (1959) PUENTE IN PERCUSSION (1956). ~ Mongo played with Tito Puente Orchestra for a big part of the 1950s.

@jimmiranda7181

5 жыл бұрын

Top Percussion is one of my biggest influences of all time. I would put that album on and practice till my hands would bleed!

I'm a new subscriber, 63 years old and all I can say is Thank You Eric ! You are the Buddha of conga instruction.

Mongo Santamaria was the first conga player I knew by name. I bought his album Watermelon Man when I was in High School (yes, I'm an old fart) and wore it out. As you imply - technique is just a tool - it's the sound and feel that count. Thanks for the upload, and thank you Mongo!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

anonagain very well said!!! And I wished I lived during those times man! That’s when music was actually music!

@gregoryjohnson4538

6 жыл бұрын

anonagain me too

@lovrorizmal3546

5 жыл бұрын

Even for me! I come from Slovenia, ex-Yugoslavia, and in about 1998, when I was in high school, I bought my first jazz and latin CDs: Ellington, Davis, A toda Cuba le gusta and Mongo Santamaria: Mambo Mongo. Now, when with internet I've come to know who he was, I almost cannot believe that they had such a disc in a small town. Very nice to hear this explanation!

1965, I was 3 years old, ill never forget El Pussy Cat!The first Mongo Santamaria song i ever heard was AFRO LYPSO. My God!!! The energy, the horns, that driving bass groove and Mongo adding his spicey sauce on the congas. That song could wake the dead. The song IF YOU CAN FIND IT will hold its own against anything today, Afro Jazz or any other genre. I found the record and CD online from a Japanese publisher. That one song is so rare, but it's my all time favorite!!

Eric, your teaching style is superb; and I love your details that others neglect to show. The drums are universal and are flexible when in the right hands. Ethnicity should not be an issue. " if it don't have that swing, it don't mean a thing."

Thank you. My first conga teacher Hamid El Amin was hip to Mongo's tumbao; he would play this all the time. I really love what you’re doing and everything that you are sharing. Again, thank you!

just sub'd.. 72 yr old veteran.. am in a VA hospital "Recreation Therapy/drum therapy group.. maybe 10 of us.. we play congas mostly.. have box of shakers.. cow bells.. tamborines.. etc.. never gets used.. most are afraid of them ?? my only guess.. I learned Babatunde Olutunge hand postitions.. took forever.. before I watched his videos on Yt.. Then the lights came on. I tried the Latin hand positions.. Fail.. so I mix a kind of lazy man's hand positions.. gets me half way there.. I love playing.. invent stuff ALL THE TIME.. I used to be a drummer in the old days of Rock.. was in a lot of bands.. tells you how good I was.. Jazz groups.. dynomite groups.. me not so much.. inexperienced on a big set of drums.. I just last year... have made ..transformed an Electronic set from a chinese acoustic set.. and did my own E set conversion using Yt videos.. soldered up everything..*made my own guitar cables.. modded a Yamaha brain to take 7 oops 9 inputs for my edrums .. I love playing.. congas I have two..Toca fiberglass congas.. I will try to do the Right finger tip/palm thing;. Thank you for your channel.. I might learn it.. had a guy play a dynomite Latin thing on my drums one day a week or so ago.. I almost got it. ...I'm good at listening and mentally figuring out the basics of the beats.. I can write some too.. I always take short hand notes on my new things.. Thank you again I will follow as much as I can.. when I was 10 or so I started taking private drum lessons from a lady down the road from my house.. learned : 1 e & a 2 e & a.. etc.. I can usually figure most rhythms out that way.. I passed my 'Blues Clues" small pieces of paper with that notation.. short hand to my buds at the drum group with a new beat I heard.. . ...Question marks over their heads.. .. I didn't explain that it is only short hand.. I'm on a Sade Kick.. Love her music.. great drum beats.. but they are all the same.. kinda.. key to success. if it works, don't change a thing.

I have to share this memory of Mongo that I had forgotten. The reason why he and Armando Peraza tilt their quinto drums backwards is to facilitate the lifting of the drum during intense parts of their solos. Back then around fifty years ago, both men were fit and strong. The move was quite impressive and it made folks holler.

I have been to very few concerts over my brief 60+ years on this planet, but I consider myself blessed to have witnessed Mongo Santamaria play that song, "Sofrito" live at Lincoln Center in New York City. It was a very memorable performance at the Avery Fisher Hall, as part of the 25th Anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival, which of course normally takes place in Newport and not New York City. Of course Mongo and his band were not there representing Latin Jazz all alone, there were other names of astounding repute. Tito Puente and his 40 piece orchestra had top billing, and after he opened, we were treated to Machito and his 40ish piece orchestra and then closing out the night was Mongo Santamaria... and 4 other guys! Did I say 'guys' and not talented musicians? No disrespect meant, just the opposite - as his 'little' 5 member band turned out to have been the icing on the cake to a night that also had guest performers Dizzy Gillespie, the trumpeter, and Cal Tjader, on the vibraphone. I can't describe how magical this event was, whatever you imagine it may have been, it was certainly that and more, in fact I am still excited thinking about it - and that was 43 years ago, in 1978. And guess what song Mongo Santamaria and his 4 amazingly talented musicians closed the set with? An extra, extra long rendition of Sofrito that went on and on and on.. every time the song was about to end.. they played another few bars because neither 40 piece Tito Puente or Machito orchestra, as marvelous and outstanding as they were.. elicited the thunderous applause, the screams for "More!" and a standing ovation - than these 5 guys on stage. It was the best show I ever saw. I hope we all get to experience this kind of once in a lifetime event, and just in case you doubt this ever happened - since even to me it seems to good to be true, you can read about the event in the New York Times archives here: www.nytimes.com/1978/06/23/archives/newport-sounds-silver-note-newport-jazz-festival-sounds-a-silver.html I met Mongo a few times too, I was 20 years old and working at my parents store, "Aguilera Record Shop" on 48th Street and 9th Avenue, and he came in to purchase his own latest record albums. He asked for a case of 25 to give away to his friends. He explained that FANIA or VAYA? records only provided artists with one case free, so I sold them to him at our cost. Thank you Mongo.

i heard that between his hands being so callused, and the finger bones so permanately malformed and flattened, that shaking his hand was like grabbing a catchers mitt! no taping up for this guy, he's committed and willing to sacrifice to get those ultimate tones and volume!

I really appreciate the way you teach. After years, and years of drumming. Finally. I’m going to study more conga technique, and specifically Afro-Cuban...etc. Many blessings in 2021 from a brother drummer in Mpls, MN. Paz

what was really also great in the way my uncle mongo were played was the stady goin of his rithm always stable

Good job and nice breakdown! When I first saw Mongo, Sofrito had just come out. I started learning West African percussion about that time, as I played saxophone through school and the trap drum set shortly afterwards. It was rumored that Mongo had been playing certain Cuban rhythms that were only for rituals but because he didn’t speak much English, I never dared to ask him. He was certainly magical though and you knew he was “the real deal” and this is from the heart. I mean, the drum IS the heart so yeah, you can be technical about it ... but “it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing”!!

Thank you Mongo! ...and thank you Eric. Players have to be reminded of Mongo, and to remind them that today's intellectual approach, speed and rudiments alone, don't make you into a whole musician. Mongo was also an exciting and great presence in his live performances.

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

funkytradition YESSSS!!!

Great video! You and one other KZread video demo and explain Mongo's signature tumbao. I'm older and got to see Mongo perform live many times and I can say first hand his playing changed over the years. The tilting of the drum towards himself was in my opinion about a comfortable position particularly as Mongo got older and the third drum he added much later. Mongo's tumbao was killer and ahead of its time, which for some reason didn't catch on among other drummers? You really have to listen to Mongo's earlier recordings and have seen him perform live back in the day to appreciate what incredible drummer he was at his peak! Much appreciation and thanks for your videos.

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Very well said!

@juanpena5797

6 жыл бұрын

Tata Guine gave Mongo big props for his contributions

@guaguancos.montunodcubop8923

5 жыл бұрын

David Easter ....David.. Mongo was like a father to my uncle. the reason for his tilting of his conga was cuz of an accident he was in way back in the day. he got really bad hips cuz of it.. and stupid ass doctor back then when it happened(racist times(even more racist then now) of course) were terrible towards blacks so the doctor was even ready to amputate his legs and someone that spoke English that was tight with Mongo had to step in and tell him fuck that and also told him who he was so thank god they aint take his legs but its a long story so to make it short...yea thats the reason he tilts it like that... cuz of lack of comfort plus alot of pain in his hips. so he figured out a way to be able to play. incredible. LEGEND! just like Chano....it was known his famous backaches when he played and gig'd cuz of the first time he got shot...the doctor was able to extract all the bullets except for 1.. that was so close to his spine so the doctor ain't wanna risk it and try getting it out so Chano just had the bullet left in his back. so he had these famous backaches during gigs. like i always say..see they suffered to be able to alegrarnos la vida. thats why they are LEGENDS!!!!!!!!!!!

@guaguancos.montunodcubop8923

5 жыл бұрын

A Percussion Life ....Eric...read what i just wrote to the gentleman David Easter. it explains the tilting of the conga. plus im sure u will appreciate the rest of the comment. don't bullshit my nigga..read it lol.

@guaguancos.montunodcubop8923

5 жыл бұрын

A Percussion Life ....and of course Mongo ain't do alot of different golpes and shit. he was a true old school timbero. like Tata Güines. they play "tipico" a'lo africano i guess u can say. thats why they are 2 of my top 3 congueros. they don't do all that million hits a second shit...thinking they're playing bateria sobre el tambó. True old school beasts..! i know u feel me my boy... much luv Eric. keep doin ya thang. i ain't even a conguero but i do be watching some of your videos and i enjoy them. eso es lo tuyo papa.. when u gon send me a t-shirt and shekere?😉

Wow! I amazing! Just today I was trying to p,aye my tumbao while listening to Mongo's Sofrito!!! Thing was it occurred to me to try mixing tumbao and Guaguanco together. I thought impossible for me right now. Now Mongo and Mambo Mongo the piece you played in your instructional is the coolest, hippest, dance tune ever. So, thanks for plugging it. Yeah, Mongo if you are a Conguero and you don't know who is Mongo you are probably not a Conguero. My older Brother had a good friend who was a great fan and follower of Mongo. Frank was about 16 years old at the time and was quite a Conguero. Mongo would bring Frank who was a teenager at the time and allow Frank to p,aye with him on stage. I believe at the Village Gate. Mongo certainly had a distinct riff. Many a Conguero has taken a bite off. Thanks for your expertise, knowledge and wisdom. Yeah, Mongo. Don't know how to thank you for all you give and share with us.

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

jose goicuria awesome!!!!

God Bless Eric, Great video & commentary and I couldn't help but chuckle at your many points on Mongo's "sason", but especially your immediate observation of Mongo's position of his drum tilkted towards him! While I don't play like that either, having experimented with such positioning, it interestingly provides an added unique advantageous angle on the finger tips, which execute the slap, that requires less "energy"/force to produce the slap even at very low volume.

Mongo Santamaria also played with Cal Tjader. My all-time favorite is Afro Blue, check it out in Cal Tjader's album “Latino”. There are other renditions of Afro Blue, but this live version that Mongo played on this album is by far the best. Let me know if you agree or disagree. Before Giovanni Hidalgo, there was Mongo Santamaria.

Tienes toda la onda hermano! Me encantan tus vídeos y la humildad con la que compartes está de oro. Un abrazo desde Barcelona!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Gracias hermano!

Mongo was a beast! This is a great hybrid tumbao I'm going to start working on. Also, waiting to hear those new skins! :)

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

James Huff I’ll probably drop that vid next week!

Thank you. Would love to see his Afro Blue 6/8 stuff sometime. Thanks for the great videos!

@josegoicuria3372

6 жыл бұрын

Me too!

One of the Best Tumbao Variation Conga Lesson! Thank U again!

Wow! Eric! Eric! Yeah! Eric and Eric! Beautifully done, explained, demonstrated, instructed, with feel representing admiration, respect, great love and honoring the Cuban Clave and Guaguanco . For me the beginning and main ingredient of Latin Jazz, salsa, funk, rock, the corner stone of heart of it all. Que viva Eric! Que Viva Chano, Dizzy, Mongo, Ray, papin, Matanzas, Tata, Hidalgo on and on and on......... Oh, hey the voice no problem. Just grateful and glad you took the time to break it down. Wow! Eric! Eric! Yeah Eric! Thank you!

Man you're great at this, really enjoying these videos, interesting and funny, you made me lol at 4.30!

10000 Subs you can do it just keep doing what you do. Love you bro thanks for all your hard work

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! I'm going to keep on working!

Another great job explaining a slick move. Thanks...

Yessssss, mongoooooo!! Been trying to play this my whole life!!!!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

IngridPerez 😒😒😒😒

Me enamore de este tumbao!! Been trying to make something like that up lately.. combining tumbao and guaguanco.. awesome to find it. What a gift. Great content Eric! Hey, what about a video on tuning?! Thanks

@jcyberj

4 жыл бұрын

Back 1970's in major cities, their were always informal jam sessions in parks and other gathering places; that combination of the two rhythms was constantly being explored. I managed to see Mongo, the Jazz musician, live several nights at the old now defunct Jazz Workshop in Boston and on many occasions in neighborhood parks in the city sponsored Summerthing. Mongo lived until 80 and always played hard with his band that always featured top shelf musicians.

Hola Hermano! Excelente video! Consulta.. de que marca es tu vaso termico?

WOW! Dude, your a monster with all these breakdowns of ALL the greats....ALLLLL the greats. Where are you going next man, you already are on the moon. Idea: motown or Ralph Macdonald?

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Of course I gotta do Ralph!

Thank you Homie,,,doing a great job,,,,more Mongo stuff please,,,great learning tool,,,,everybody wants to master his stuff anyway,,,,

Hola hermano, saludos desde Brasil, necesitamos este video en español, felicitaciones por lo trabajo fuerte abrazo

muy bueno Eric! gracias por el video, lo voy a practicar, abrazo

Nice tutorial! I like all the drumtalk and how you present other artists. You got your own style that I really like. - What do you think about Angá? Miguel Diaz I think his real name was. Would like to hear what you have to say about him. Thank you!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Anga Diaz was one of the greats that left us too soon. He was before his time. One of my biggest influences to date. I will definitely do a video on him soon. Thank you!

What a BREAK DOWN!!!! Congrats on ur subscribers. U Funny bro...Hahahaha. Love the History lesson.

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

bongosabroso thanks man! Appreciate it!

Low-key been waiting on this vid, lol 👌

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Jelani Guthrie haha did it meet your expectations? Lol

@dreamyagent007

6 жыл бұрын

A Percussion Life Definitely, been listening to a lot of him lately, imo one of the best to have played *if* not the best. Listen to Afro blue on the Village Explodes live album he did. Magical.

Hi if possible for you explain the pattern only two congas I mean use from two or start with two and then the more. Thanks you do really a good tutorial very appreciate good day

The big thing with technique--from an ergonomic standpoint--is the long term implications of the technique. Mongo was the man and had the sound of sounds but toward the end of his life was in pain all the time, couldn't open a beer, had to have his hips replaced from all the drum lifts. The folkloric drummers who taught him played with the big arm movements, it was the style. I also want to second, third and forth @funkytradition 's recommendations, especially Drums and Chants.

@jcyberj

3 жыл бұрын

The West African Drummers who made and played Djembes developed tremendous speed, strength and big sounds that could be heard for long distances. Also, they interact and co-ordinate creatively with dancers. The most interesting sets that I experienced at the now defunct Jazz Workshop were when Mr Santa Maria included a South African lady dancer and singer in his group.

The conga is so melodic I love it

¡Muy bien, muchísimas gracias para la explicación! Recuerdo que tal vez fue mi primer disco que compré de música latina o salsa, o comoquiera que se llame, aquí en Eslovenia, Europa, a finales de años 90, cuando la gente no sabía casi nada de este tipo de música, justo el disco Mambo Mongo. ¡Gracias!

Muchas gracias y bendiciones me encanta estos videos y uno aprende un montón

Great Lesson! Thank U Mongo! Thank U Eric Sir!

MASTER , HOW DO WE TUNE THEM CONGAS ? AND IN WHICH KEYS OF MUSIC THEY MUST BE TUNED ON ?? PLEASE

I miss your old videos. When are you going to come back to your roots? I think I can say for all of us out here... make more of these videos

Listen to his solo on This is my Mambo, with La Lupe....His best solo EVER....

I remember Mongo when I was 16 yr old in the Bronx playing in a club call Colgate garden.... he was vicious playing opposite of him a band was Eddie Palmieri another great conga player his name was Tommy Lopez senior another amazing conga player a totally different style.....

Hi just to say it's a great explanation of the pattern thanks again

Thank you Bro you help me a lot !!! Muchas Gracias Hermano me ayudas un montón Bendiciones Maestro!!!

Bro try doing a heel tip on the left hand instead of the slap tone on the guaguanco part of the tumbao, it’s kind of a triplet thing heel+tip+ open twice. trust me it’ll feel better and it’s more rhythmic

Earl Derouen or Henry Gibson Have you ever done a video on him? I'm a big fan of Donny Hathaway and Curtis Mayfield. Check out "Superfly".. Thank you

To me one of Mongo best album is Live at the Yankees Stadium is a classic that was the album I started to hear the great Mongo Santamaria.

@jcyberj

3 жыл бұрын

Also, you only, Eric, mention Montego Joe who wrote a rare book on conga drumming with an album to play along with. Like the djembe, the conga has become universal. There are more than one way to skin a cat.

Thank you, Brother, for everything😎

Excellent lesson. I'm gonna go read a book!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Chase Ramirez Hahahaha!!!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Chase Ramirez thank you!

Great job cousin!!!

Excellent videos. Really helpful. I surprised you play with a ring and watch.

@jcyberj

3 жыл бұрын

Only forbidden when one uses someone else's instrument.

Grandioso!! Un saludo desde México hermano!! Uno de mis idolos de la percusión después de Ray Barretto!!!😁😁😉

can you do ray barreto oye la noticia conga solo gracias god bless

Buenos dias. Conoce gente en un Nueva York que se reune para praticar? Donde esta ubicado? Gracias.

Un fenómeno mongo ,un adelantado, y fenomenal tu vídeo. Otra cosa, dónde encuentro ese vídeo de "mambo mongo" con dizzy ,no lo encuentro

He is the greatest brou Nice

Maestro, poesia pura mi hermano! Que talentos mi Dios te ha dado; con este vídeo botaste la pelota. Cristal Crear para un neófito como yo, cosa que me será de gran ayuda e inspiración. He escuchado 1++++ veces sofrito y nunca había notado eso. Dios te pague y bendiga

Hey bro'. Very Good, thank you. God bless you.

Go to get to Pello el Afrokan who was cousin of Mongo.Pello was the Master of the Mozambique that is a Cuban rythm with 50 variation.Armando Peraza said that Pello was king if rythm.

Great stuff

What actual book should I read if I'm not super familiar with Mongo? I've heard the name, but... Similarly, some essentials to listen to? Thanks!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

tzim haha so in reference to “read a book” it was like a little joke... but music there’s tons! Listen to his album Mr Watermelon Man so you can hear for yourself the kind of player he was! Straight up feel! You’ll enjoy how he plays! Trust me!

@josegoicuria3372

6 жыл бұрын

Cal Tjader and Mongo all the LPs! Listen, here is where I believe modern Afro Latin Jazz is revealed in the finest shape and form. Willie Bobo plays on these as well.

@jcyberj

3 жыл бұрын

@@josegoicuria3372 Use KZread search.

@jcyberj

3 жыл бұрын

Two short biographies and discographies found online for Mongo Santa Maria: www.oldies.com/artist-biography/Mongo-Santamaria.html self.gutenberg.org/articles/eng/Mongo_Santamaria

Güines, Angá and Giovanni. Congas were not meant to be played as a keyboard. Speed and theatrical antics are no match for authenticity. Mr. Santamaría has no competition.

Felicidades. 🎼🎵🎶

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

William Ortiz gracias William!!

Hi sir you need to do a about Chano pozo

Mongo definitely was out the box. Powerful congero. I notice Michael Pluznick commented. He's a great drummer as well.

@jcyberj

3 жыл бұрын

Morngo was a great Jazz musician, arranger, and composer, too.

Mongo es uno de los pocos consuegros que se distingue por su sólido tapado lo que hace que tenga una pronunciación constante y con volumen pesado. Yo me refiero no al tocar por hacer ruido sino al volumen del conguero, por ejemplo hoy debe haber un balance, los congueros de hoy quieren mucha técnica pero descuidan el peso del instrumento, descuidan el puch, y no es que el conguero sobresalga y calle a todos sino el afinque que se debe tener, eso no está en tener manos grandes ni mucha técnica sino que ya el músico lo trae no lo aprende. Después de Barreto en la Fania, no vino ningún conguero con el peso que este tenia, vino Eddie Montalvo con conocimiento pero sin presencia. Es solamente mi opinión sin mala intención.

do a Joe Cuba Tumbao

they say Mongo was the reason Cardona put down the bass and became a conguero.

Eric is my new maestro

mongo sez many thanks to his grandfather who was sfrican n bringin his religion with him from west African. ... imagine a direct descendanr from slavery n his music wow.... u gotta love this culture

Thanks.

Dios Te Bendiga Tremendo Video ❤❤ .....Pero es tiempo que te Recortes ese pelo ha-ha-ha Se Te Ama Hermano 💪💪💪💪CONGUERO POWERRR!!!!

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Hahahahahaha Nuuuncaaaaaaaaa haha Gracias bro!

I HAVE THESE CONGAS WHICH PLAYED BY MONGO (MEINL WOODCRAFT) !!

This is how i tought You supposed to play guaguanco.... but apperantly I'm a genius like Mongo 😂😂

I havent learned how to slap that dry without muting with the other hand yet

👍from marrocan man in Paris France

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Mehdi Sahraoui Thank you!!

Afro Blue, baby! No, not this. Just generally speaking. Like, yay! What? I am confused and solo in my land of my sense of humor. Anywho, thank you for this one, dude. Insert everything I always say....here.

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Oh trust I’ll get to Afro Blue very very soon! That’s a must! Thanks Man!

Go to Mozambique rythm and you will get creazy.

👍👍👍👍😅

LMAO Flavor.........:)

You’re So Funny Love it

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

BlasJohnny hahaha I’m a bit corny but hope it was a bit entertaining haha

Donde está el tumbao. Habla mucho 🤐🤐

Спасибо за видео! Сделали пост по твоему видео. vk.com/big_baraban?w=wall-6228179_8731%2Fall

@APercussionLife

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I think you need to realize that slavery wasn't over in Cuba until the 1900's. Therefore, Africanos such as Armando and Mongo were very close to Africa. Hence, what you seem to "put down" about their techniques and styles illustrate your ignorance of history. Many consider them African drummers and preservers of Africanisms in the so-called New World. Both drummers have reached the Zenith of conga playing using African techniques learned from enslaved Africans. Note, most of our people, I speak for myself, came from the west coast of Africa and what you call Latin drumming is an offspring of West African styles imported during the terrible plague called the slave trade. The djembe is the advanced precursor of of the three common congas and is now played worldwide. Lastly, I would prescribe listening to Armando and Mongo play in their early works which explored their Cuban Santaria roots and close relationship to Africa. Techniques may be good, but "the proof is in the pudding."

@jcyberj

3 жыл бұрын

As I placed my Djembe in front of me, I made the common sense observation that if you tilted your drum towards you, then the opening would be pointed towards your audience. That's probably where that extra comes from when Mongo or Armando bring us that extra crisp clear sound that may hit you in the solar plexus. Babatundi Olatunji translated this drum scale into Yoruba and made it clearer for his students. Mongo and Armando come from the same tradition.