The Founder King
Mwaash aMbooy
Kuba Kingdom, Democratic Republic of Congo

The Muntu Kuntu Energy Ensemble


MKE Poet Mwatabu S. Okantah leads the Muntu Kuntu Energy Ensemble under the musical direction of pianist, composer and soundscape artist Eric Gould.  Featuring master percussionist & drummer Bill Ransom and bassist Glenn Holmes, this unique collaboration gives new meaning to the old saying, "word sounds have power."  Most often compared to legendary poet/musician Gil Scott-Heron and his Midnight Band, Okantah and the MKE Ensemble strive to bring maximum musical impact to "the word."  As Spoken Word artist, his work mesmerizes and enlightens.  His performance poetry and music are eclectic, but, firmly grounded in the traditions of African and New World African cultures.  Subjects range from poetic historical narrative to fond remembrances of the West African and the American south landscapes to current social commentary.  The music swings from African inspired rhythms to gospel, through the blues, straight ahead jazz, p-funk and into a hard driving roots reggae groove. 


Muntu Kuntu Energy performances are part ritual, part revival and part healing circle.  If music speaks a universal language, then the purpose of MKE music is to unite.  Baba Okantah seeks to uplift audiences, liberating both their minds as well as their spirits.  The MKE Poet shares life experiences with audiences, where the "Singers of Songs and Players of Instruments" perform an important function in the bonding of people.  The Muntu Kuntu Energy Ensemble is serious about revealing new insights and presenting age-old wisdom in a new light.  Baba likes to say, [about his music] "This ain't hip hop, but, it's hip!"  These old school performers seek to bridge the communication gap between the generations.  They strive to make new friends out of familiar strangers.  For more information about Okantah and the MKE Ensemble--including slide show, video clips, unedited songs, upcoming performances and spoken word appearances--visit the alternate website at http://www.myspace.com/mkepoet.


The Posse

Eric Gould, Music Director, Keyboards

Eric Gould has been active for 25 years as a jazz pianist and composer.  His three recordings on the Umoja Productions Label have garnered him national attention.  Each reached Top 20 status on national jazz radio.  His recording, Miles Away ... Wayne in Heavy, was one of the Top 50 CDs on national jazz radio for the year 2000.  As a composer, his works have been performed by the Canton Symphony Orchestra and the Cavani String Quartet.  As a band leader, he has opened for Earl Klugh, Azymuth, Larry Coryell, Wayne Shorter and the New York Jazz All Stars.  He has recorded with James Newton, Bobby Watson, Cecil Bridgewater, Talib Kibwe (T. K. Blue), Don Braden and Leon Dorsey.  The Eric Gould Trio has performed concerts, club dates and festivals from the midwest to the east coast.  Mr. Gould has been the MKE Poet's music director since 1989.
To learn more about Eric Gould, visit http://www.ericgouldmusic.com.


Bill Ransom, Drums & Percussion

Master percussionist and drummer Bill Ransom has performed with a diverse group of musical acts including Najee, Gerald Levert, Marion Meadows, T. J. Carson, Mary Wilson, Beth Hart, Bobby Watson, James Newton and Cecil Bridgewater.  He has been a featured soloist with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra.  He is director of two highly acclaimed youth percussion ensembles at the Cleveland Music School Settlement.  Mr. Ransom has been performing with the MKE Ensemble since 1992.  To learn more about Bill Ransom, visit http://www.billransommusic.com.

Glenn Holmes, Bass

Bassist Glenn Holmes is a native Clevelander who has performed with Ignacio Berroa, Charlie Rouse, Andy Narrell, Jerry Halen, Richie Cole, Doc Cheatham, Keith Copeland and Joe Williams.  He was a member of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and a former faculty member at Wichita State University.  He is also a published composer.  Mr. Holmes has performed with the MKE Ensemble since 2000.