Those of you who travel may be familiar with the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts on Alice Street in Oakland. In this month's issue we feature a company that was founded by that great artist: FUA DIA CONGO. The company recently celebrated its 30 anniversary. We are pleased to feature them.

FUA (pronounced "fwa") DIA CONGO is California's only professional Congolese repertory company. It was founded by Malonga in 1977 as an entity dedicated to the preservation, promotion and study of Central African culture. Now under the direction of his daughter, Muisi-kongo Malonga FUA remains committed to Malonga's vision of preserving the Congolese culture through artistic interpretations of its daily life and rituals.. The company name comes from the Kikongo language and means "Congolese culture." FUA's reperptoire draws from the religious, social and military traditions of the descendants of the Kongo kingdom which includes the modern day stats of the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Central African Republic and Gabon.

FUA's distinct programming examplifies its true committment to enrich and engage the lives of individuals in diverse communities. The company is known for its unique teaching and performance residencies which have been offered to public schools and universities throughout the US and the world.

FUA's programming is composed of four distict elements: the first being the performing company itself, the adult performing company. The company is composed of musicians and dancers whose abilities embody Malonga's emphasis on the souldfoul and cultural expressions of Congolese culture. FUA is now populated with the children of its original dancers. The company has performed among other places at Jacob's Pillow, The San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival and at the world premiere of KUSUM AFRICA at Zellerbach Hall. and other international venues. FUA continues to set the standard for presentation of traditional Congolese art forms on the concert stage.

The second element is Ballet Kizingu, which is Fua's youth ensemble. The ballet provides next generations with a rich cultural legacg, mentorships, performance experience and leadership training through the arts.

Malaki Matanga is FUA's home season, where each year the company presents new works celebrating ancient traditions and modern customs of the people of the Republic of the Congo. [see a review of this year's production in REVIEWS].

Finally the last element is KIMVUKA, where principle members of the company participate in artists residency programs with other organizations and artists installed in the Oakland Unified School District.

We congratulate FUA DIA CONGO for thirty years of excellent representation of Congolese culture. For more information or to reach FUA DIA CONGO for bookings please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it They can also be reached by phone at 510-273-2407.