Acerca of

Zab Maboungou

Zab Maboungou knows how to inhabit a scenic space, not only physically but also mentally, even spiritually.
Lili Marin, Kaos magazine, Montreal, 2001

Born in Paris and raised in Congo-Brazzaville, Zab Maboungou discovered the power of dance at an early age. She later studied philosophy in France, a subject she taught, while also teaching dance, in Montréal, where she chose to settle. In 1987, she founded Zab Maboungou/Compagnie Danse Nyata-Nyata (1987), as well as a dance training program, the PEFAPDA (Programme d'Entraînement et de Formation Professionnelle en Danse, 2003) and developed LO.KE.TO, a method of rhythmic alignment.

As early as 1994, her experience and outlook on arts and culture made her an artistic advisor appointed by the Ivorian Minister of Culture to Masa (Marché des arts vivants de la scène d’Abidjan), a program promoting the performing arts, where she was honoured 15 years later as part of "Femme Danse” (2020).

Zab Maboungou is a sought after presence on stages, at festivals and for symposia on 4 continents. Her choreographies, noted for their power, unite the mental and physical spheres, and exude a spiritual strength revealed through a rhythm art equalled only by the mutual engagement of bodies, dance and music.

In January 2024, her company acquired a new venue for its artistic practice, the Centre Création Danse Nyata Nyata.

“Bodies have their own incommensurable life. To connect them is to add to the magic of the world.”

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

2023

Induction into the Canadian Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame by Dance Collection Danse

2022

Tribute awarded by Maison d'Haiti, for major contribution to the field of dance.
Excellence in arts & culture - Festival international de théâtre et d'arts plastiques, Lomé, Togo,

2020

Dancer or Dance Company of the Year Award - Gala Dynastie, presented by Regroupement Québécois de la Danse.
Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Artistic Achievement, Canada's highest honour.
Zab Maboungou receives a tribute at the last MASA, Marché des Arts du Spectacle d'Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

2019

Compagne de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec

2015

30th Grand Prix of the Conseil des arts de Montréal for the stunning performance of Mozongi at the SAT's 25th anniversary gala in 2014, brilliantly executed.
Tribute paid by the organization Cultures croisées
Prix de la danse de Montréal / Premier Prix de la diversité culturelle en danse - Conseil des arts de Montréal

2014

Martin Luther King Junior Award in recognition of her brilliant choreographic art.
Keynote speaker at the Re:generations Conference - 'Rethinking the past to reimagine the future - African Diaspora Dance Association (ADAD) in collaboration with IRIE! dance theatre, De Montfort University and Pavilion Dance South West in Bournemouth, UK.

2013

Charles Biddle Award 2013, recognizing the exceptional contribution of a person who immigrated to Quebec and whose personal and professional commitment contributes to Quebec's cultural and artistic development on the national and international scene.
Tribute awarded to philosopher Zab Maboungou - Outstanding personality in the Quebec (Canada) college network, for her exceptional contribution to Quebec's cultural and artistic development, and for her determination, influence and versatility.

2012

Keynote speaker at the 24th edition of the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) international conference. Tribute received for contribution to dance.
Tribute awarded for her excellence by the Minister of Arts and Culture of Cameroon and the Festival International de Danses et de Percussions Abok I Ngoma - L'excellence Abok for her immense work in favor of the development of dance throughout the world.

2011

Zab Maboungou is named "Model of Vision and Excellence" and Zab Maboungou/Nyata Nyata is recognized as "Diversity Champion Company" by the Network of African Entrepreneurs and Professionals (REPAF).
Recipient of the Black History Month Award.
Conference and presentation of Gestes dé/libérés at Harvard University.

2010

Recognition for the exceptional contribution of Zab Maboungou to the art of dance - 5th Kriye Bode Symposium dedicated to the art of Haitian dance and drumming at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

2005

Launch of the book "Heya dance! Poetics, history and didactics of African dance".

2003

Awarded "Pioneer of African dance in Canada" at the Canadian conference AfriCan: The business of dance - Dance Immersion in Toronto.

1999

Achievement award from the Minister of Culture of Cameroun.

1998

Artist honored at the Kennedy Center's African Odyssey Festival in Washington, USA.

1993

Appointed artistic advisor to MASA - Marché des Arts du Spectacle d'Abidjan by the Minister of Culture.