Daily Inspiration: Meet Basko Basko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Basko Basko

Hi Basko, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I want to start by saying I am Ngoungou Lomba Horry Taylor. I am from Gabon, on the west coast of Central Africa. Everybody calls me Basko.

Growing up as a shy kid without much confidence, I found myself drawn to the vibrant world of entertainment acrobatics, dance, sports all of it made me feel truly alive. In Gabon, where I come from, dancing is woven into the fabric of our culture. At seven, I began to embrace this tradition, learning to dance, sing, and play the drums. School was never really my calling; I felt drawn to a different path. I knew I was destined to inspire others, to bring happiness through my gift.

My older brothers were dancers, and I would secretly imitate their moves until one day, at a birthday party, I surprised everyone by dancing.

The crowd’s stunned reaction to my dance awakened something within me. From that moment, I poured my heart, mind, and energy into dance, believing in the power of creation that comes from where we direct our energy. Through discipline, persistence, and a warrior mindset, I stayed committed to my vision.

My vision was greater; I aspired to be a dancer who made a difference, leaving a legacy that would outlive me. I became a storyteller through dance, infusing my performances with the rich tales of my culture, earning the title of Artistic Ambassador.

I wanted more than just to dance. In Gabon, dancers often face challenges in making a living, as formal education is typically prioritized. So, I infused my dance with the rich stories of my culture, becoming a storyteller through movement.

Carrying the spirit of Gabon with me, each performance was a step in my journey, each stage a platform to share my culture’s heartbeat with the world. My journey led me to the United States, where, as a cultural ambassador, I build bridges between Gabon and the USA through dance.

Alongside this, I shared my journey on TikTok, gaining 1.4 million followers and the respect of the dance community in the US. From a silent child to a voice that resonates across continents, my story is a testament to the transformative power of passion, resilience, and the unwavering belief in one’s dreams.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you grow up in an African family, it’s quite common that you don’t argue with your parents. There’s an expectation that you’ll pursue a career as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer anything less and your parents might feel disappointed. I completed my education and earned a DTS (Higher Technician Diploma in Tourism), but I always felt there was something more calling me.

In our society, people often measure your value by your job title. They ask you, ‘What do you do?’ not out of curiosity, but to determine the level of respect they should give you. It’s a pressure many of us with talent feel to conform to these standards. At times, I wanted to give up. I was discouraged, I sometimes felt lost, and I even thought about sacrificing my dreams just to meet the expectations placed on me.

But I realized that if I wanted to truly live, I had to discover my own path. I began developing skills that connected me to my roots specialized knowledge about my culture and I made a decision to use my talents, not just to make a living, but to create a life that reflects who I truly am. Through dance, I found a way to represent my country, my people, and my heritage.

Dance became more than movement it became a way to connect with people, to touch their hearts, minds, and souls. I let the divine guide me through my art, and that’s how I found my purpose. My greatest challenge was discovering that my calling wasn’t something I could fit into a box. As a wise man once said, ‘Your job is what you get paid for, but your calling is what you are made for.’

Now, every step I take in my dance reflects that calling, and it’s been the most rewarding journey.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional dancer and a cultural ambassador, and my work goes beyond just performing. I created a dance called the Zyeute Dance, which is more than just movement it’s a bridge between past and present, connecting people to the deep roots of Gabonese culture. Through this dance, I teach not only the steps, but also the meaning behind these dances, their historical significance, and why it’s essential for the world to engage with our heritage.

I take this work very seriously because it’s not just a job for me it’s where my heart, my energy, and my soul come alive. Every performance and every class I teach is infused with my creativity and imagination. I see dance as a powerful way to educate, to inspire, and to create a connection with others. In everything I do, I pour my entire self into it, knowing that this is my way of giving back and representing my people, my country, and our rich cultural legacy.

So, in a way, I feel like a very special kind of dancer not because of fame or recognition, but because I carry the responsibility of sharing something deeply meaningful and important to me. My goal is to strike the hearts, minds, and souls of those who experience my work, and to leave them with a lasting connection to my culture.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a very shy kid, but my curiosity was boundless. I was constantly questioning life, who I was, my people, my purpose, where I came from, and where I was headed. This curiosity drove me to explore the world around me with great focus, and it helped me develop many skills early on because I wanted to be an active force, shaping my own journey.

I was fascinated by art, African supernatural stories, and the teachings of African philosophy. I wanted to understand what I was truly capable of, so I paid close attention to everything. I was reserved, but whenever I was alone, I would always practice something something that made me move, something that helped me discover new things about myself.

Looking back, it was that deep curiosity that shaped me into who I am today. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and made me eager to explore my limits, both physically and mentally. Even as a child, I wanted to be more than a passive observer I wanted to be a driver of my own path. That mindset is what continues to guide me today.

Pricing:

• Dance Classes: $300 per session
• Workshops: $300 per hour/session
• Private Performances: $500 – $1000, depending on the specific requirements
• Advertisement on TikTok: $3,000 for one post on my feed $300 for a story post

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basko_zyeute_dance/profilecard/?igsh=MWhvNzFoMXg2Y2l6NQ==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@baskozyeutedance2435?si=2UVxpesD-jv5Tzg1
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@baskotydjonze