From Gascogne to Gabon — a cultural metis
Originally from Gascogne, France, Hugues Obiang Poitevin lived 18 years in France before leaving for Africa. Known to all as Tatayo ("Fruit of the Wind"), he also carries his Gabonese name: Obiang Nzondo Mamisoba. He describes himself as a "cultural metis". He has lived in Gabon since 1976.
In daily life, Tatayo is also a transport entrepreneur in Libreville (the company Trip Gabon, which he founded in 1984) and father of 3 children. Within Ebando, he is the "linchpin" — "cheville ouvriere" in the original French — who holds together the transmission, the officiants, the initiates and the partners.
The founding encounter of August 2, 1976
On the night of August 2, 1976, near Kango, his car broke down. He knocked on the only door with light: that of Andre Nguie Ovono, craftsman, liturgical harpist, initiated great healer. This encounter would later give rise to the Ebando association. Andre Nguie Ovono remained honorary president of the association until his death on December 15, 2017.
Nguema Mba Ndong, spiritual father
From 1976, Tatayo recognizes Nguema Mba Ndong as his spiritual father in the Bwiti tradition. This initiatic filiation prepares the transmission that will take place three years later.
First Westerner initiated into Bwiti Fang
In 1979, Tatayo became the first Westerner initiated into Bwiti Fang in Gabon. In 1994, he was initiated into the Missoko traditions. Later, he was initiated into Bwiti Missoko Ngonde na Dipouma, and built his own Bwiti temple at La Sabliere, Akanda.
1981 - 1984 - 1999: three steps
In 1981, Tatayo co-founded APACVI Gabon (Association for the Promotion of Agriculture and Culture in Gabonese Villages), the first NGO.
In 1984, he created Trip Gabon Sarl, a private company whose profits funded micro-projects for 17 years (e.g., 7500 banana trees for 7 families near Kango).
On September 30, 1999, during a joint initiation mixing the Bwiti Dissumba and Missoko rites, the miraculous discovery of the Mvudi mask floating on the ocean in Akanda gave rise to Ebando ("Genesis", the rebirth).
Fixer of the Pays Profond
Tatayo is fixer and co-fixer, to date, of 24 documentaries on the various traditions of the Pays Profond. He has contributed to the preservation and dissemination of Bwiti and Bantu knowledge, notably alongside WCS Gabon (Wildlife Conservation Society).
The passer
After guiding nearly 70 Westerners to Gabonese villages for their initiation, Tatayo has now directly initiated more than 350 banzis, and indirectly supported thousands of Gabonese people. For nearly 50 years he has played the role of passer between Bwiti tradition and the outside world.