“Zab Maboungou knows how to inhabit a scenic space, not only physically but also mentally, even spiritually.” - Lili Marin, Kaos Magazine, Montreal, 2001

Born in Paris and raised in Congo-Brazzaville, Zab Maboungou discovered the power of dance at an early age. She later studied philosophy in France, a subject she taught, while also teaching dance, in Montréal, where she chose to settle. In 1987, she founded Zab Maboungou/Compagnie Danse Nyata-Nyata (1987), as well as a dance training program, the PEFAPDA (Programme d'Entraînement et de Formation Professionnelle en Danse, 2003) and developed LO.KE.TO, a method of rhythmic alignment.

As early as 1994, her experience and outlook on arts and culture made her an artistic advisor appointed by the Ivorian Minister of Culture to Masa (Marché des arts vivants de la scène d’Abidjan), a program promoting the performing arts, where she was honoured 15 years later as part of "Femme Danse” (2020).

Zab Maboungou is a sought after presence on stages, at festivals and for symposia on 4 continents. Her choreographies, noted for their power, unite the mental and physical spheres, and exude a spiritual strength revealed through a rhythm art equalled only by the mutual engagement of bodies, dance and music.

In January 2024, her company acquired a new venue for its artistic practice, the Centre Création Danse Nyata Nyata.

“Bodies have their own incommensurable life. To connect them is to add to the magic of the world.”