Member of the Symposium

Anicet Mundundu is a performer-scholar of African music with particular expertise in Congolese traditional and contemporary musical practice.  Upon receiving his B.A. in music education from the Institut National des Arts of the Université Nationale du Zaire (now Congo), he joined the faculty as an assistant professor.  During his tenure at the Institut National des Arts, he taught courses in music theory, history, solfege, instrumental studies and educational practice.  Eventually, Mundundu was promoted to Director of Music Studies.  Here, he played a leading role in restructuring the national music curriculum for secondary level and higher education.  Well known in Congo as a choral conductor, Mundundu was the director of the GEVAKIN choir of Kinshasa, which toured the United States in the summer of 1989.  Mundundu holds a M.A. and a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh where he taught music fundamentals, class piano, world music, music technology, and directed the African music ensemble.  His research centers on the recontextualization of African music.  In particular, contemporary trends in African choral music and the globalization of Congolese popular music.  He is the founder and artistic director of Jambo Lugamba, a company dedicated to presenting the music and dance of Africa.  Mundundu’s unique background as both a tradition bearer and scholar of African music keeps him in demand as lecturer, workshop leader, and educational consultant.  He has shared his expertise with members of various institutions including, Carnegie Mellon University, Mt. Holyoke College, Carlow University, Chatham University, Duquesne University, Penn State University, Eastern Arizona College, St. Francis College, University of Michigan, Pittsburgh Public schools, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Pittsburgh Symphony’s Pops, River City Brass Band, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the Afro-American Music Institute.  As a studio engineer, producer, score writer, composer and performer on vocals, keyboards, guitar, saxophones, African drums and percussions, Mundundu has been involved in recording for over fifteen years.  Recent projects include Nathan Davis’ The Other Side of The Morning, Akin Euba’s African Pianism, and Kuntu Repertory Theater’s production of the musical, Sarafina.  Mundundu is currently finishing a CD of his original compositions entitled Gapudi Dance.

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