Ancestral Connections with Nyttu Chongo

Ancestral Connections awakens the connections of people to their ancestral roots through the power of traditional African music, rhythm, sound, and cultural experience. This series of three powerful sessions offer individuals who have been disconnected from their forefathers—either forcibly or by culture, distance, and time—a safe and inviting space in which they can rediscover and reground their deepest identities. Nyttu Chongo creates a reflective, meditative space utilizing a number of traditional African instruments native to Sub-Saharan Africa as the centerpiece of the auditory experience of Ancestral Connections: Mbira Nyunga Nyunga, Mbira Dzava Dzimu, Xitende, and the Chopi Timbila—a UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity instrument native to Mozambique. As a musician, culture bearer, and teacher, Chongo invites individuals into the experiences of their own bodies in response to sound and mindful relaxation, and creates space for exploration of self and identity in connection to those who came before. Please feel welcome to join for one, two, or all three sessions of Ancestral Connections.

Nyttu Chongo is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Nyttu Chongo is a Machangana African musician and composer from Maputo, Mozambique, now residing in Fridley. He builds, repairs, and plays a wide range of traditional African instruments and serves the community with his unique Ancestral Connections program. A 2020 MN State Arts Board Initiative grantee and 2024 MN State Arts Board Creative Individuals grantee, Nyttu's mission in life is to make the voices of the ancestors heard through music and spark discovery of African cultural roots. His music transcends the performative and creates space for individuals and groups to connect authentically with their ancestral past and individual identities. Nyttu founded Ancestral Connections in 2023 to introduce Minnesotans to the power of music to open one’s awareness of their ancestral roots.

Is this concert all-ages?

Yes, all ages are welcome.

What are my transportation and parking options?

Free parking is available along roads inside the cemetery, including reserved spaces for handicap parking near the chapel. There is a Metro Transit bus stop just outside of Lakewood's front gates at 36th & Hennepin Ave. It is within walking distance from the chapel (1-2 blocks). If you come by bicycle, lock your bike at the racks near the cemetery's main gates.

What can I bring into the event?

There is a coat rack available, and you may bring a water bottle. (Also, there is a water dispenser available inside the building.) Please do not bring pets, food or drinks other than water.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email us at [email protected], or call us at 612-540-5165.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, printed tickets are not required. We will have a guest list at the door.

Photography notice: To help us promote Lakewood and our events and offerings, guests may be photographed. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by Lakewood. We do our best to select photos without recognizable faces. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let staff know upon arrival.

Host or Publisher Lakewood Cemetery