About Us
Who we are, what we believe, and the people preserving Bwiti tradition.
Who We Are
A Nonprofit Born from Ancestral Purpose
Bwiti Roots is a registered nonprofit dedicated to supporting Gabonese indigenous Bwiti communities. We preserve and protect the ancestral Bwiti tradition and culture, ensuring this sacred knowledge thrives for future generations.
Founded by Audrey and Roger, Bwiti Roots bridges sacred traditions of Gabon with a global community of seekers. Our approach is community-led and rooted in deep respect for indigenous wisdom.
From infrastructure development and cultural education to healthcare access and environmental sustainability, we empower Bwiti communities to sustain their heritage while building a strong future.
Our Origins
Bwiti Roots Origins
Born from lineage, loss, and a return.
Audrey — Founder, Nima
At the heart of the project is Audrey, a Bwiti Nima whose path began long before she consciously chose it. Her mother, Séraphine Avome Ntoutoume, was a revered Nima within the Bwiti tradition. When she passed away in France in 1999, her final wish was to be buried in her ancestral village of Ntann in Gabon.
That decision became the beginning of everything.
At the time, Audrey was growing up in Europe, largely disconnected from her Gabonese roots. Her mother’s request did not immediately make sense to her. But over time, something deeper began to call her back — a quiet but persistent pull toward her origins, her lineage, and her mother’s resting place.
When Audrey finally returned to Gabon, she was received by her family, who had always known she would come back. There, she underwent her initiation under the guidance of her aunt, Maman Ogningue (Mamou), a respected Bwiti Nima. That experience marked a complete turning point.
Shortly after, Audrey left behind her corporate life and began walking the path that had been prepared for her through generations of women before her.
Alongside her, her father Roger (Osingui), co-founder of Bwiti Roots, carries a parallel story of initiation and commitment. His connection to Bwiti began in 1977, when he first travelled to Gabon and met Séraphine. Suffering from chronic headaches that no medical treatment could resolve, he accepted her invitation to visit her village. What began as a search for healing became his first encounter with Bwiti.
After Séraphine’s passing, Roger fulfilled her wish to return her body to Ntann. At the time, the village had almost disappeared. Only a few structures remained, and much of it had been reclaimed by the forest. That moment marked not only a burial, but the beginning of the village’s revival.
Years later, in 2019, Roger and Audrey returned to Ntann together. Through initiation and direct experience, the vision of Bwiti Roots was formed: to support the preservation of Bwiti tradition, to help restore and sustain the village, and to create a bridge between worlds without compromising the integrity of the practice.
Roger — Co-founder, Nima
Mamou — Nima, Traditional Healer
At the center of this work is Mamou, a recognised Nima and traditional healer, who has been practicing since 2007. As guardian of the temple and head of the local traditional clinic, she plays a central role in maintaining the spiritual, cultural, and healing practices of the community.
Over the years, Mamou has initiated hundreds of people into these traditions, guiding and mentoring a new generation of practitioners. She was recently appointed President of Traditional Practices for the Woleu-Ntem province in Gabon, serving as spokesperson and representative for the region’s temples and Nimas
Bwiti Roots exists to protect, preserve, and support a living tradition — rooted in the village, the land, and the lineage it comes from.
Our Mission
To support the Bwiti people and their cultural and spiritual traditions through sustainable development, cultural preservation, and global education — creating lasting positive change.
Our Vision
A world in which the Bwiti people and their sacred knowledge are honored, protected, and accessible to all who seek understanding and healing.
Bwiti Roots Origins
The impact of our collective effort across Gabon and beyond.
Meet Our Team
The dedicated individuals preserving Bwiti tradition.
Audrey (Braddock Ndjogo)
Founder / Nima
Visionary leader deeply rooted in Bwiti lineage. Guides seekers through transformative iboga initiation experiences.
Roger (Osingui)
Co-founder / Nima
Spiritual guide who established operations in Gabon. Bridges traditional Bwiti practice and the global community.
Mamou (Maman Ogningue)
Nima / Traditional Healer
Temple guardian who has initiated over 100 individuals into the Bwiti tradition with ancestral wisdom
Beti Edzo
Ngombi Player
Sacred harp musician and village builder. The Ngombi provides the spiritual soundtrack guiding initiates.
Garcia Yema
Operations Manager
Ensures seamless retreat logistics and welcomes every visitor with warmth and care.
Mngeu Mndeu Mireille
Nima / Traditional Healer
Supports training programs for the next generation of Bwiti practitioners.
Be Part of the Story
Join us in preserving the sacred Bwiti tradition for future generations.