Meet Our Team
Audrey (Braddock Ndjogo)
FOUNDER / NGANGA
Audrey, the visionary behind Bwiti Roots, is deeply rooted in her Bwiti lineage, tracing back to her mother’s side. Her mother, Séraphine, a revered Nima (Bwiti Shaman), passed away in 1999 when Audrey was just twelve years old, residing in France at the time. In her final moments, Séraphine expressed her heartfelt wish to be laid to rest in her village in Gabon. Honoring this poignant request, Audrey’s father embarked on a journey to Gabon after Séraphine’s passing.
Initially, Audrey struggled to comprehend why her mother had chosen to be buried so far away, as she identified primarily with her French upbringing and had limited awareness of her Gabonese heritage. Nonetheless, a strong connection to Gabon persisted within her, courtesy of her mother’s presence there.
Despite Séraphine’s physical absence, her profound bond with Audrey remained unyielding. As Audrey matured, an increasingly compelling force urged her to visit her mother’s grave in Gabon. Eventually, she undertook the voyage, an expedition that would unveil her true identity, ancestral roots, and purpose in life.
Awaiting Audrey since her mother’s passing was her Gabonese family, who instinctively knew she would return to fulfill her destined role. During her initial visit to Gabon, Audrey underwent an initiation guided by her aunt, Mamou, a Bwiti Nima. By the end of this transformative experience, Audrey sensed the imminent transformation of her entire existence. Subsequently, upon returning to the United Kingdom, she relinquished her corporate career and shed all inauthentic aspects of her life, creating space to pursue her genuine purpose —the same purpose that had resonated through countless generations of women before her.
Today, Audrey embodies her role as a Nganga, a facilitator of Bwiti iboga ceremonies. With her profound ancestral connection, she holds sacred space, both in the earthly realm and the spirit world, ensuring safe passages for all participants. Serving as a bridge between realms, Audrey’s presence guarantees secure and transformative journeys for those who seek them.
Roger (Osingui)
co-founder / nganga
Roger, one of the esteemed founders of Bwiti Roots, embarked on his transformative journey in Gabon back in 1977. Initially arriving as a development worker, he crossed paths with the remarkable Seraphine Avome Ntoutoume. Plagued by relentless headaches that eluded the remedies of doctors and medicines, Roger found solace when Seraphine extended her invitation to seek treatment in one of her family’s villages—an invitation that would serve as his first Intiation and introduction with Bwiti. While his physical well-being swiftly improved, his apprehensions and curiosity hindered him from fully embracing the profound experience. However, as he made subsequent visits to Gabon, Roger gradually grasped the immense significance and power inherent in the Bwiti tradition.
When Seraphine passed away in France in 1999, Roger resolved to repatriate her remains to Gabon and lay her to rest in Ntann, her ancestral village. Beyond being a tribute to her memory, this poignant act symbolized the village’s rebirth.
Ntann, once a thriving community nestled deep within the forest, had caught Roger’s attention back in 1978 when it was facing decline. Seraphine often reminisced about her vibrant and peaceful childhood in the village. However, by 1999, only a handful of dilapidated huts veiled by overgrown foliage remained, along with a sole resident—Victor, the current village chief.
Following the solemn funeral ceremonies, Roger felt an unwavering conviction to breathe new life into this languishing place. It was during a transformative visit to Gabon in 2019, accompanied by his daughter Audrey, that an initiation experience inspired them to establish the Bwiti Roots NGO.
Currently residing in a village situated in the picturesque Limousin region of France, Roger steadfastly undertakes regular journeys to Gabon, honoring his commitment to the revitalization and preservation of Bwiti traditions.
Mamou
Nima / Traditional healer
Maman Ogningue, affectionately known as Mamou, is a revered figure within Bwiti Roots and a vital presence in the Ntann community. Residing in Ntann, she has dedicated her life to the sacred practice of the Bwiti tradition. Since 2007, she has held the esteemed title of Nima, a recognition bestowed upon her by the Gabonese Ministry of Health.
As the guardian of the temple and sacred objects, Mamou ensures the preservation and sanctity of the Bwiti heritage. Her role extends beyond that of a caretaker; she is also a skilled healer and serves as the head of the clinic, offering both physical and spiritual support to those seeking healing. Drawing from her deep wisdom and extensive knowledge, Mamou serves as a trusted guide in the initiation journeys of individuals following the Bwiti Disumba tradition.
Mamou’s impact reaches far and wide, having initiated over a hundred individuals in the Medouneu region to date. Her profound dedication to Bwiti Roots and the local community has been instrumental in preserving and passing down the sacred teachings and rituals of Bwiti.
With her expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Bwiti tradition, Mamou continues to inspire and guide both the members of Bwiti Roots and those who seek the transformative power of Bwiti.
Beti Edzo
Ngombi (Bwiti harp) player
Beti Edzo was born and raised in our village. After his childhood initiations, he felt a powerful calling from the spirit of the Ngombi (the sacred harp of our tradition). Guided by this connection, Edzo began playing as a young boy, answering a spiritual pull that would shape his path for life.
He often says, “I don’t play the Ngombi. The Ngombi plays me.” This sentiment captures the essence of how Edzo relates to the sacred instrument. During ceremonies, he plays for hours, his voice and harp weaving together to create a bridge between the seen and unseen worlds. His presence helps guide others through the spiritual realms with devotion.
Edzo is also a skilled builder and carries great responsibility for the physical life of our community.He leads much of the village’s construction and maintenance work with quiet dedication and care.
He is married to Nima Mireille, a respected Nima (Bwiti healer) who also serves in our village ceremonies.
Garcia Yema
Operations Manager
Garcia Yema is the heart of our operations at Bwiti Roots. Quite honestly, without her, we wouldn’t exist. As our Operations Manager, she oversees all administration and NGO finances from Gabon with unmatched dedication and clarity. From coordinating visas to ensuring that every donation and contribution is directed to the right project, Garcia keeps the engine of Bwiti Roots running with care and precision.
She is our vital link between Libreville and the village. Garcia navigates the often complex landscape of Gabonese administration with a fierce commitment to our mission.
But Garcia is more than an administrator. She’s like everyone’s aunty. She warmly welcomes initiates as soon as they land in Gabon, often going out of her way to take them to local markets, tailors, and hidden gems in Libreville, making sure their experience is rich, grounded, and memorable. Her hospitality, humor, and fierce loyalty leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
Thanks to Garcia, what happens behind the scenes feels seamless. Her presence ensures that the practical aspects of our work are taken care of, so the spiritual work can unfold in peace. We are endlessly grateful for her wisdom, her hustle, and the love she pours into every corner of Bwiti Roots.
Mngeu Mndeu Mireille
Nima / traditional healer
Mireille is one of the four Nimas working in our village under the guidance of Nima Mamou. She is currently completing her training, supporting all ceremonies and initiations while continuing to deepen her knowledge of the Bwiti tradition. Becoming a Nima is not simply a role. It is a lifelong calling. The training process can take many years, with students working closely alongside experienced elders until they have the wisdom and strength to hold ceremonies and open their own healing spaces.
Mireille has lived in the village for many years with her husband, Edzo, and is deeply involved into the life of the community. In addition to her spiritual path, she also helps manage the village shop, one of the small-scale economic projects funded through Bwiti Roots. Her dedication and reliability make her a vital presence in the day-to-day life of the village as well as in the ceremonial space.
Through Bwiti Roots’ fundraising initiatives, we support the training of local women like Mireille in Bwiti tradition, indigenous pharmacology, and ancestral knowledge. Mireille is one of the dedicated trainees currently receiving support through this initiative. Her commitment helps ensure that these sacred teachings are preserved, lived, and passed on with integrity.
We are deeply honored to have Mireille as part of the Bwiti Roots Family. Her presence, both in ceremony and in community, reflects the spirit of service, tradition, and quiet strength that defines the Nima path.