Kinshasa Book Launch: Inventing an African Alphabet by Ramon Sarro

Professor Ramon Sarró was delighted to attend a special launch for his new book Inventing an African Alphabet. The event was held at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa, the Capital of The Democratic Republic of Congo. The event featured on television and radio, it included live music and was attended by around 100 people. 

The book draws on  Sarró's long term friendship with David Wabeladio Payi (1958–2013). In 1978 Wabeladio created Mandombe, a new system of writing. Mandombe was deeply influenced by Kongo culture and has thousands of learners across the globe. 

Wabeladio hoped his perseverance in the creation of Mandome could inspire others. The memory of this hope certainly inspired Sarró to continue his work.

Sarró’s finished book combines biography, anthropology, philosophy and history to create a rich picture of Wabeladio’s creative life. It brings a new perspective to the relationship between imagination, innovation and revelation.