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Happy BISILA Day

8-15-2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Big Isi El Blass

The end of an era?

Big Isi El Blass

Bubi Language Cultural Event

Social media

The Traditional Bubi Dance: A living heartbeat of Bubi culture

100 ËTYÖ Phrases

New single by Mastho Ribocho, literary work Anthology of Equatorial Guinea Music by Barón Ya Búk-Lu, Löbëla by Justo Bolekia Boleká, Vövíla (African palm tree) by Mario Mulé Ribala, and more images of the mother BISILA festival.

Ë ilám by Carlos Bolete Lobete

baron book on music.png
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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.

SOKKÒ

It is a section with a variety of socio-cultural news.

POET'S BLOG

A section for poetry and poems.

ËTYÖ  LAÖTYA

It is a section of learning and knowledge about the Bóbë-Bubi identity in its different manifestations.

 

With the magazine Ë KOTTÓ, we will bring culture a little closer to our homes.

Editorial

THE END OF AN ERA?

According to music critics, Basakato SF was considered the cradle of island music, a place where the best voices of the last four decades and of almost all of Equatorial Guinea emerged.

 

In the main competitions organized in cultural centers, the children of this town used to occupy the top positions, thus sowing hope for continuity. Similarly, their songs made people rush to the dance floor to shake their stuff, as a grandmother full of zest for life despite her advanced age used to say.

 

The worrying thing is that, apparently, this legacy has not rubbed off on the younger generations. All this artistic capital is increasingly being depleted, despite the efforts and encouragement that some of the old guard continue to provide to keep this spirit alive, not only for the benefit of the town, but also in a broader context.

 

Does what begins have an end?

In this case, it should never be so, because no legacy perishes if there is a new generation to continue it.

 

Nothing was easy, nor is it now; four decades ago, the love of art was the driving force that inspired that school that brought joy—and continues to bring joy—to so many hearts.

 

May this memory live on forever.

 

Y E I Y E B A!

Story

BIG ISI EL BLASS

Stage name: Big Isi el Blass 
Full name: Isidro Louto Bokesa 
Country: Equatorial Guinea
City/Town: Malabo, Basakato de la Sagrada Familia


Personal profile
I am an artist passionate about traditional and modern music from Equatorial Guinea. With over 10 years of experience on local stages, I have worked to keep Bubi culture alive through R&B rhythms and lyrics that connect with the identity of my people. I stand out for my live energy, connection with the audience, and commitment to culture.


Musical career
•    More than 10 years of experience as a singer.
•    Tours and performances at community and cultural events.
Notable participation in:
•    Basakato de la Sagrada Familia 
•    Festival Bariobe Festival
•    Bubi Language Cultural Event (Bariobe, 2024)
Notable songs
•    E Bobe
•    Las chicas guapas
•    Other compositions: 4 additional unreleased tracks.

Musical style
Modern R&B, fusion of Bubi rhythms with contemporary sounds.


Awards:
•    No official awards yet, but with a strong presence at local cultural events.


Networks/Platforms: Currently has no active networks or public music platforms.
 

Interview

Kawele Big Isi El Blass?
Në lèlè.

1. What inspired you to embrace the world of music?

Since I was a child, music has always been a form of expression for me. I grew up surrounded by traditional rhythms and sounds that stirred deep emotions. What inspired me was seeing how a song can bring people together, heal hearts, or simply make them dance. I felt that I also had something to say through music, and that's why I decided to embrace it as part of my life.

2. Approximately how many songs have you written in your career as a composer?

I would say more than 15. But since I had no way of saving these songs when I started out, I don't have all of them now.

3. Tell us about your experience as a singer at the Ëbóbë-Ëvóvë, Bariobe 2024. How did you experience that moment?

My participation in the Ëbóbë-Ëvóvë in Bariobe 2024 was one of the most special experiences of my musical career. There I saw what the Bubi ethnic group could really do with their enriching culture. Singing in front of my people, sharing our roots and culture, was very exciting.
I remember how impatiently I waited for my turn to perform, and when I went on stage, I was amazed at how many people were there. Without a doubt, it motivated me to continue growing as an artist and to continue promoting the music of our land.

4. Was this your first time participating? If you had to rate the audience's satisfaction with your performance on a scale of 1 to 10, what score would you give it?

Yes.
I would give it a 5. The songs were very unfamiliar, but they liked the rhythm of the music. This made me understand that the most important thing is not to create, but to show the audience what you have created.

5. You are from Basakato SF, right? It is said to be a land of great musical talent. Do you think it's possible to maintain that legacy, considering that there are few singer-songwriters in the new generation?

Yes.
I do think it's possible to maintain this legacy, given that there are many young people like me who understand music. What we do need is motivation and guidance to channel this talent.

6. What do you consider to be your most emblematic song so far, and why?

Well, I would say there are two: Las Chicas Guapas and E BOBE.
But if I have to choose one, I would go with E BOBE because of the message it sends.

7. What challenges have you faced in your artistic career and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is discouragement. When you go a long time without creating, everything cools down and it's hard to get back into the rhythm.
What motivated me to overcome discouragement were my fans who kept asking me when I would release my next music. And after stopping for almost six years, a cousin encouraged me to start singing again, and that's when I sang the music of E BOBE.

8. Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?

This is a very difficult question to answer because I would actually like to collaborate with all artists who have roots in Basakato, such as Seri Male, Mastho Ribocho, Piruchi Apo, Sita Richi, ETC... But if I had to choose one, I would prioritize Piruchi Apo because he has a supernatural voice.
And if I had to collaborate with a young artist, it would be Mac Miguel, as long as he agrees.

9. How do you balance your personal life with your music career?

It's not always easy, but I try to organize myself well. The key is to set priorities and devote time to both music and my personal life.
Since it's difficult to make a living from music in our country, when I'm not at work, I compose, and I take the opportunity to be with my family, rest, and recharge my batteries.

10. What message would you like to convey to young people who want to follow in your footsteps in the world of music?

To young people who want to follow in my footsteps in music, I encourage them to value our roots and not be afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Music is not just about fame; it is a form of identity, expression, and struggle. I started from the simplest things, with effort and respect for culture. If you also have a message, a story, or an emotion to share, don't be silent: music can be your voice. Be consistent, be yourself, and don't give up.

Thank you for agreeing to our interview.
 

Activity

Bubi Language Cultural Event (Bariobe, 2024) 

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OPINION

JAVIER BAITA BANCH

The Traditional Bubi Dance: A living heartbeat of Bubi culture

In my opinion, dance is the most representative aspect of Bubi culture. Much more than a simple artistic expression, the Bubi is a ritual that unites music, dance, and community, transmitting stories, values, and cultural identity from generation to generation of this ancestral people.

 

A link to history and spirituality

 

 Bubi is characterized by rhythmic, coordinated, and energetic movements, which often accompany celebrations, community gatherings, or moments of social importance. Traditionally, it is linked to rural life and ceremonies of gratitude, where dance becomes a symbolic dialogue with nature and ancestors.

 

For the Bubis, participating in the dance is not just about moving to the rhythm of the music: it is an act of belonging. With each step and turn, pride in their roots is reinforced and the social fabric is strengthened.

 

The power of music in Bubi

 

 Historically, Bubi dance is accompanied by musical instruments such as the ëlebo and botutu, as well as clapping and singing, creating an atmosphere that connects the dancers with the collective pulse of the community. Each beat of these instruments marks not only the rhythm but also the cultural memory of a people who have managed to resist and preserve their heritage, resisting the loss of their culture and roots.

 

Bubi with a cappella music: a return to the essentials

 

 The idea of performing the Bubi dance with only a cappella music has a special charm. Collective singing, without instruments, would highlight the power of the voices and the group effort, evoking the purest roots of the Bubi oral tradition.

- It would strengthen human connection: without instruments, energy is transmitted directly from voice to ear and from heart to heart.

- It would highlight traditional singing: lyrics, intonations, and vocal nuances would take center stage.

- It would promote creativity: participants could improvise harmonies, responses, and rhythmic games that would breathe new life into the dance.

 

Conclusion

  

Bubi is a cultural gem that reflects the history, resistance to losing culture and roots, and joy of the Bubi people. Keeping it alive and exploring ways such as a cappella accompaniment is not only a tribute to the ancestors, but also a way to renew pride and community unity.

JAVIER BAITA BANCH

SOKKÒ

TIMELY NEWS

Bisila Day Festival Bioko Island
Bisila Day Festival Spain

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

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.

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.

ËTYÖ LAÖTYA

Batobiera in Baney 7-24-2025

For more information

Batobiera in Bakake 8-2-2025

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.

Contact

ekottomagazine@gmail.com

diversityetyoproject@gmail.com

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