The Bongo Language

Articulating a Lifetime of Technique

This definitive living archive documents five decades of oral tradition, lineage, and refined technique. It preserves embodied Afro-Caribbean percussion knowledge for serious musicians and scholars.

Oral Tradition and Lineage

The Ancestral Transmitters

Román 'Don Nan' Carrillo

Anthony Carrillo's first teacher, Don Nan, instilled the foundational rhythms and the deep cultural context of the instrument. His teachings formed the bedrock of a lifelong dedication.

David 'La Mole' Ortiz

A pivotal mentor who transmitted advanced techniques and the nuanced language of the bongó. La Mole's influence deepened Anthony's understanding of tone, articulation, and touch.

From San Juan

Technique is memory made muscle. What Don Nan and La Mole passed down in open air, we document here with exacting clarity.

Anthony Carrillo

Preserving Embodied Knowledge

The Bridge to Future Generations

Anthony Carrillo's work bridges the oral traditions of his elders with contemporary pedagogical documentation. This archive ensures the enduring legacy of Afro-Puerto Rican percussion for scholars and practitioners.

Explore the Full Treatise

Dive into the detailed articulation of tone, articulation, and touch, transforming embodied knowledge into an archival record.