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Ngoma's
love and appreciation for music began in the womb of his mother who was
pianist for the Sunday School Orchestra. At age seven, he began to
study violin in his hometown of Richmond,Virginia, under the tutelage of
Mr. Thomas Barrett. Ngoma continued his studies with John Bland,
Joseph Kennedy,Jr. and Dr. Thomas Bridges. |
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During
his Junior and Senior High school years, Ngoma also studied piano, flute,
cello and baritone horn.
As
an "Instrumental Music Major" at Virginia State University (College at
that time), Ngoma further honed his skills by playing upright acoustic
bass in the 18-piece Jazz Band, Baritone Horn in the V.S.C. Marching 110
Band, The Concert Band as well as the R.O.T.C. Band and Violin in the Orchestra
and String Ensemble.
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Inspired
by musicians such as Odetta, Nina Simone and Bob Dylan during the Civil
Rights and Anti-War Movements, Ngoma was prompted to teach himself acoustic
guitar and freedom songs.
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Ngoma
also plays upright acoustic bass, electric bass, baritone horn, keyboards,
an assortment of percussion instruments and the didgeridoo.
The
didgeridoo is native to Australia and is said to have been used by the
Aborigines (more appropriately called "People of the Wave") to sound the
world into being. Its low droning sound puts one into a trance called
"dream time". Ngoma heard the instrument played on a selection and
pursued his quest to teach himself the art of circular breathing required
to play this instrument. He uses it in many of his selections and
it does, in fact, prepare you for a mind-expanding experience through music
and poetry.
For
more information about the didgeridoo CLICK
HERE.
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When
asked how many instruments he plays, a typical response would be...
"I
don't know, I'm still learning."
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Playing
in the background: Track 1 from unpublished CD
"7
String Things 4 U" by Ngoma
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