Malanga casquelourd biography of george

by Terry Tang

It's been two years since the ill-fated Fathers' Day when Auguste Leonard Malonga, known as "Casquelourd," died suddenly.

Now, the time has come for his grown children and friends to say a final good-bye with a "Malaki Matanga," a Congolese celebration marking the official end of a mourning period.

This ceremonial tradition will be in a very public forum.

Malanga casquelourd biography of george

The African dancer's family says he would have liked knowing his relatives and the dance ensemble he started were moving on with help from a performance vehicle.

"He created this extended family out here. As we release, we give other people the opportunity to do the same thing," said his eldest daughter, Muisi-kongo Malonga.

"The whole mourning process was very public in the beginning. It's only natural: as it comes to a close, it goes public again."

Fua Dia Congo, the Oakl