ekottomagazine
No Puedo
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ë KOTTÒ, is a magazine of the cultural field in all its disciplines.
We are committed to bringing culture closer to our readers. Our goal is to give visibility to sectors that lack this opportunity of presence in large media platforms.
Our publications will be monthly and we will focus on four basic sections and four complementary ones.
INFORMATION, INTERVIEWS, ACTIVITY AND PROMOTION, and SOKKÒ, ËTYÖ LAÖTYA, OPINION y EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
A general story on a specific theme of each edition.
INFORMATION: Its content will be based on knowing the path of our guests. That is, what you could call their biography.
2. INTERVIEW. Focused on the professional field.
3. ACTIVITY: Focused on our guest's current affairs.
4. PROMOTION: Publicize everything related to the works of our guest or in its case what it believes necessary to promote related to his or her professional work.
OPINION
It is a section for sociocultural opinion articles.
ËTYÖ LAÖTYA
It is a section of learning and knowledge about the Bóbë-Bubi identity in its different manifestations.
SOKKÒ
It is a section with a variety of socio-cultural news.
POET'S BLOG
A section for poetry and poems.
With the magazine Ë KOTTÓ, we will bring culture a little closer to our homes.
Editorial
Cultural Pulse
In this edition, we put the spotlight on the new voices that are marking the cultural pulse... Young people who, with talent, creativity and a lot of courage, are transforming the artistic scene and giving a fresh and powerful identity to our urban music. Among them, a name that has sounded strongly: Niko Rimas.
From the heart of Baney, Niko Rimas has begun to earn the respect and admiration of many, especially after the success of the song “No puedo Niko”, in which he shares the spotlight with the energetic Mamita. This song has not only resonated in social networks and in the streets, but has captured something essential: the sincere and direct expression of a youth that does not shut up, that sings, that creates, that lives.
In our exclusive interview, Niko Rimas opens the doors to his world: his story, his influences, his dreams, and the message he wants to convey with his music. It is an honest conversation where we discover that behind the rhythm and rhymes there is a young man with a lot to say, and with an authentic passion to represent his generation.
We invite you to join us on this journey, to get to know more than just the artist and discover the human being behind the microphone. Because in Niko's lyrics there is more than music: there are songs with good messages and many stories that deserve to be heard.
Story
NIKO RIMAS
Stage Name: NIKO RIMAS
Nationality: GUINEA ECUATORIAL
Native of: BANEY
My name is Miguel Angel Manga Boko, I was born on March 3, 1998. I am the son of Conrado Manga Baribo and Antonia Boko Boko Bosoka. I am a singer and composer.
My artistic life started when I was 12 years old, in 2011. I was in a group called T.A.7, which stands for Theater of the African Child. That's when, for the first time, I went on stage to sing. It was in Tope, an isolated village to the left of Baney. The song I performed on that occasion was titled El ambiente de T.A.7.
In the group I gave it my all, but I didn't succeed. Still, I never gave up hope.
In 2015, I quit classes and settled in a mechanic's workshop to learn a trade. However, my dream was to be a policeman or a real singer. During that whole year I did nothing but listen to a lot of music. I liked artists like Metrico, El Leperado, Shattayale and Kuami; they were my favorite singers.
In 2016 I was living with my uncle Cristo, who took me to a church called Tabernacle of Jehovah. There I met a friend named David, who started teaching me how to play drums and piano, and I became very interested in music.
Months later, I wrote a song called I Love You, Jesus, which was very successful. I started singing for God and my talent spread to different churches. However, my name was not yet known in the streets.
In 2019, Chatina, Chareti and Chanela, three twins, were celebrating their first communion at a big party and they invited me. I composed a song titled Eripelo Ra a Boho and it was my first street performance. When I left the church with the twins, the song was very successful and I received congratulations. For them, it was a special gift, and their families, seeing my work, rewarded me financially.
My audience was already excited, so I didn't stop and continued with the music.
On January 6, 2020, I won the award for Best Singer of the Year with the song Baney and another song titled
Ninet. It was then that I became a rapper and got a lot of fans and followers.
I participated in numerous concerts in hotels, bars, street squares and parties among friends. I never liked being in a group, that's why I gave myself the name Niko Rimas, the lone wolf (the bubi rapper).
In 2021 I released an album called LA VIDA, which contained six songs. The most successful was O Botebari, which gave me even more fame than Niko and Mamita.
The song O Botebari has been one of the best songs of my career. Thanks to it, I gained many fans, money, fame and contacts.
Interview
Hello Niko, how are you?
Well, thank God.
Thank you for accepting the invitation of Ë Kottò magazine and welcome to our editorial staff.
I hope you are also well and thank you for having me on this Ë Kottò platform.
1. Who is Niko Rimas?
Niko Rimas is my name. It's my stage name.
2. What memories do you have of your first time on stage with the group T.A.7 in Tope?
I remember that it was a special day for me. I also remember that I was the one who sang the chorus of the music, I will never forget it.
3. Despite not succeeding with T.A.7, what motivated you to continue in music?
What motivated me the most were other artists like Yhunpue, Dyones and others. Many told me not to quit, because I have talent. That's why I don't get discouraged.
4. Did you ever consider quitting music at that time?
There was no way I could quit music. Even if I didn't achieve my dreams, I had hope.
5. Your first street performance was with “Eripelo Ra a Boho” at Chatina, Chareti and Chanela's first communion. Did you imagine the impact that song would have?
I could imagine the impact. In the streets of Baney it seemed like a dream.
6. How did your career change after winning Singer of the Year in 2020?
My career really changed because I focused more on music. I won a lot of prizes, like a professional microphone, a computer, an honorary invitation, music budget and more.
7. You said you never liked being in a band, why did you choose the name “Niko Rimas, the lone wolf”?
Honestly, in music I don't tolerate the fun and games. That's why I decided to be alone. Doing my own projects doesn't mean that I don't have friends. I also accept collaborations, but I've never liked groups.
8. What did it mean to you to release your album LA VIDA in 2021?
That album La Vida meant a lot to me. The album was to advise the world, especially with the song Na Di Yool.
9. O Botebari was the most successful song on your album, what do you think made it connect so much with the public?
I don't know what to say with that music, because honestly that was the reason why I won the public over.
10. You mentioned that artists like Metrico, El Leperado, Shattayale and Kuami were your influences. How have they impacted your musical style?
First, Kuami impacted me with the Ángela theme, which even made me more talented.
Shatta Wale impacted me with his Tanki video. I liked El Esperado because of how he rapped.
I thought that if he mixed those three influences and managed to master his vocals, he would be an unstoppable singer.
11. You have performed in hotels, bars, street plazas and parties among friends. What was the most special performance for you and why?
The most special experience was in Hotel Anda China, together with Mag Miguel Shug Company.
It was a wedding, and it was special because I won more audience, money, and I was the best of the night in the environment.
12. What advice would you give to young people who dream of making music?
The advice I can give to all those who want to be singers is to never get discouraged. You also have to know what you have inside you and trust yourself.
13. What are your next projects and can we expect new music soon?
Honestly, I'm making a five-song album along with music videos. It will take me a long time, like nine months, but it will be the best music.
14. During 2024, the song together with Mamita No puedo. Could you explain the origin of that song?
I honestly didn't enjoy that music because of personal problems. But the song is mine; it is the music that made me known in other countries like Spain.At the moment, it is the best of my career, because of the public.
15. What do you think are the keys to the success of the song “No puedo”?
The keys were that I love her, but she is a minor. Also, the part that says “I'll climb your palm tree and I'll crawl on the road”. Those are the verses where the audience gets the most emotional.
Thank you for accepting Ë Kottò Magazine's invitation. Do you have anything else to tell our readers?
I have nothing more to say. Thank you for everything.
Activity
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OPINION
BÖSUBÓBBÈ MAY MATA
Bubi language in schools: a possibility or a dream?
At a time when globalization and cultural homogenization are advancing unchecked, the preservation of indigenous languages becomes an urgent and necessary task. Among these languages struggling to survive is Bubi, traditionally spoken on the island of Bioko. Today, we are faced with a question that resonates more and more loudly: is it possible to introduce the Bubi language in schools or will we continue to dream of something that never comes?
During a recent interview with Etyo TV, the renowned scholar and advocate of the Bubi language, Dr. Justo Bolekia, was clear and direct: the Bubi language must be introduced in schools. According to him, this is one of the fundamental measures to avoid the extinction of this ancestral language and to guarantee its transmission to future generations. His message not only appeals to cultural nostalgia, but also raises a real need for linguistic and educational justice.
This is not just linguistic romanticism. Teaching Bubi in schools could have significant benefits for students and for society at large. Several studies have shown that teaching in the mother tongue during the early school years improves comprehension, academic performance and strengthens the student's self-esteem. In addition, learning in the language of one's ancestors strengthens the sense of identity and belonging, key aspects for social cohesion and cultural development.
Several African countries are already taking steps in this direction. Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Africa have begun to integrate local languages into their education systems, on the understanding that multilingualism is not an obstacle but an asset. In many of these contexts, the inclusion of mother tongues in education has facilitated greater community participation and revitalized cultures that were at risk of disappearing.
However, in the case of Bubi, one of the main challenges is the lack of linguistic standardization. There are different variants of Bubi, which can make it difficult to create unified and coherent teaching materials for all regions of the island. However, this is not a definitive impediment, but a technical and academic challenge that can be overcome. What is needed is collaboration between linguists, educators and the Bubi community, and sustained investment to create a consensus language standard that can be taught throughout the education system.
Implementing the Bubi language in schools is not just a matter of education: it is an act of cultural justice, a step towards the decolonization of thought and a powerful tool for sustainable development. We must not allow a language with so much history, richness and wisdom to be relegated to oblivion for lack of institutional commitment.
Is it then a dream? Perhaps it was. But with many voices calling for the introduction of mother tongues in schools and with the example of other African countries, that dream is beginning to look more and more like a real possibility. Now is the time to act. The Bubi cannot wait.
BÖSUBÓBBÈ MAY MATA
SOKKÒ
TIMELY NEWS
Interesting works. They are worth having in your home library.
Mental health and spirituality don't have to exist in separate worlds. Sharon Jones, licensed marriage and family therapist, joins us to unveil her transformative approach to healing through her book "Uploading the Fire, Downloading the Grace: Contemplative Prayers."
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Poet's Blog
LÖTÓ’ÓLLÓ
Ö lötó’ólló ló oberi lue ribellè
Ëbóbë Kó lötó’ólló luaò
Kó vöótè wè eria’.ö.
Ö lötó’ólló ká rihóle, ka eteba,ká rimmamabió
wë pálá o párá lötó’ólló á tyílèrò itè atá,
hèrahò ö winnòò, ë tébáò,
ö wétáò,
Ö lötó’ólló kò bösori wè
tyekkú bö lè ökana bö, lö lókka,
lë kárityöbbò, lö bötatté,
lé bíriia biaó.
Kò böhai bö lè alla ‘ bö ë tyé tö purí ë.
Ë bëkeu bia betyö bi la rekèssa
ë bó wella ò lötó’ólló,
I nokkò í útubbam ka’ó :
ë bëtyètye bié biöllo bi kákabia
ë biëtta wëlla biá bikëbíkë.
Ö lötó’ólló Kó vöótè wè eria’ö le ribobo re biëká biao.
Ö lötó’ólló Kó böe, ló bö’ó bottó wà ribötyö rito.
“É ribötyö welá rima o le’á tölló, wae a ló lötó’ólló luá abobé, ötyommá.”
Soésiöbo. ©️2024
DYNASTY
by Sharon Jones
I am the descendant
from a dynasty.
Circumstances and situations
cannot destroy my legacy.
I believed in my spirit,
knowing I am free.
Guided by the marvelous
light of truth and unity.
Not allowing the oppressor
to detain the true me.
Owning my power,
over my mind, spirit, and body.
Seeing the chains
as only minor distraction
to bind me.
I hear the powerful
voices of my ancestors,
hiding from view, saying
They cannot find me.
You are not lost.
We are walking with thee.
You are safe and protected
Keep walking with dignity.
Do not allow them
to transfer hate
within your energy.
Do not let them
tell you who to be.
Do not allow them
to enter your dynasty.
Ë ILÁM (MY VOICE)
by Carlos Bolete Lobete
Ë ilám.
Ballá ná bá la ipölla
öámmo ö böém wëla.
Biebba la ëhëá ná ë nkòm wëla
ë la tuturó.
Ë ilám.
Ballá ná bá la etya.
Ë röppa wëla bí la seballa la ëháe,
bësari ná bí la sölla ë bi íkkiò bí hatte
lë sihúruru.
My voice.
Words that emerge
from the depths of my soul.
Sound waves that slide in the tunnels of my neck
slither.
My voice.
Words that grow.
In pain they dream of calm,
symphonic notes that let their breath fly
with the breeze.
THE RACE
by Bönaí Capote
The hair, the skin, the race?
threads of history woven in time,
colors of the earth dancing in the wind,
traces of ancestors beating in the blood.
The hair curls the memory,
the skin whispers the path,
race does not enclose,
race is rhythm, root and destiny.
It is not a limit,
it is a heartbeat,
it is not a cage,
it is an infinite river.
Ë KOTTÒ
Publisher
Diversity Ëtyö Project
Magazine Director
Barbara May
Editor in Chief
Tomás May Pelico
Designer
Böhulá
Colaboration
Eduardo May Mata
ISSN 2833-4124
© 2025
All rights reserved.
May not be reproduced without the written permission of Ë KOTTÒ.
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