Music may help save the bonobo.

"There are two things that influence the people of the Congo..... music and the Church." ----- Mulegwa Zihindula, former Spokesperson for DRC President Kabila

The Congo is a country rich in music, and one of the country's most influential personalities, top Congolese musician, Werrason, has partnered with BCI to promote bonobo conservation through Radio spots, TV and CDs.

Werrason is also called "le Roi de la Foret" (the King of the Forest) and can be a powerful voice to help save the bonobo and its forest home. Werrason has recorded specific messages for the people of Kokolopori, Lonua, Lomako, Lac Tumba, Wamba and Salonga to protect the bonobo.

Werrason's influence spreads from the halls of DRC Parliament and the streets of Kinshasa to back rivers of the Congo Basin.

"It is hard to explain to a westerner the kind of power that Werrason has," says Michael Hurley, Executive Director of the Bonobo Conservation Initiative, "There is no comparable personality in the United States. It is like having Elvis, Oprah and Princess Di rolled into one. People will listen, pay attention, remember, and truly want to follow his advice. He will reach multiple millions of people, and those people will tell others. This message can reach more people and have greater impact than hundreds of thousands of printed pamphlets."

Werrason, a philanthropist in his own right, supports a foundation to help street children in Kinshasa. He is also called the Congo Ambassador of Peace, and shares a vision with BCI to promote the bonobo as a symbol of peace and harmony for DRC and the world.

Werrason, BCI President, Sally Coxe, and BCI-DRC Director, Jean Marie Benishay, discuss the Bonobo Campaign.

Listen to Werrason