Dear Community,

There are some losses that rock us to our core.

The loss of Ferdinand "Mâ Nkaba" Batantou is one of them.

Perhaps it is because people like Uncle Batantou give so generously of themselves while they are here. They share their gifts, their knowledge, their joy, their time, and their love so freely that their presence becomes woven into the fabric of our lives.

Uncle Batantou was one of those rare individuals.

A master drummer, composer, and revered teacher, Uncle Batantou's influence can be heard through generations of Kongolese drummers and culture bearers around the world. A profound culture keeper and rhythmic architect, he helped shape the sound, spirit, and standard of our tradition.

For Fua Dia Kongo, Uncle Batantou was also a vital collaborator and beloved member of our extended family. For decades, he was a cherished presence at the annual Congolese Dance & Drum Workshop in Northern California and Maui, where he taught, performed, mentored, and inspired generations of students. He was also a frequent artistic collaborator and featured soloist with Fua Dia Kongo, sharing his extraordinary gifts with audiences and helping to elevate countless productions, performances, and creative works. Beyond the stage, he played an important role in training and developing generations of Fua Dia Kongo musicians, helping to strengthen the artistic excellence, cultural knowledge, and musical traditions that continue to guide our work today. Year after year, he returned to share not only his remarkable artistry, but also his generosity, humor, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

But what many of us will remember most is not simply what Uncle Batantou taught. It is how he taught it. "Attack!" he would call out, urging us to meet the moment with courage, commitment, and heart. He challenged us with love and called us to greatness, reminding us that we had to be "very strong."

For countless students, dancers, drummers, artists, and community members throughout the United States and around the world, Uncle Batantou was more than a teacher. He taught us how to show up in the world.

This fundraiser is being organized by Uncle Batantou's students, friends, colleagues, and loved ones in the United States as an opportunity for our community to come together in gratitude and support.

As deeply as we are feeling this loss, we know that the greatest burden is being carried by his family and loved ones. Through this collective offering, we hope to extend not only financial support, but also a tangible expression of our love, gratitude, and respect for a life so generously lived in service to others. Our hope is that these contributions bring some measure of ease and comfort during this difficult time and serve as a reminder of how deeply Uncle Batantou was loved.

While we can no longer place a gift directly into Uncle Batantou's hands, we can extend our love to the people he loved most and honor the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. If Uncle Batantou touched your life, we invite you to contribute if you are able and to share a memory, reflection, or message. Together, may we surround his family with the same generosity, care, and love that he so freely shared with the world.

Yenda Kia Mboté (Go In Peace), Teacher.

Thank you for everything.