The Story of Bongo Blues | Music, Memory & Preserving Black Culture

Some stories deserve more than a headline.

They deserve to be preserved.

In this episode of my documentary interview series, I sit down with Bongo Blues (Gregory Norfleet)—a Miami percussionist, jazz musician, poet, African textile artist, and cultural historian whose life has been shaped by creativity, resilience, and community.

Over the course of our conversation, Bongo reflects on more than six decades of experiences that span segregated Miami, the New York jazz scene, military service, addiction and recovery, African identity, entrepreneurship, and the enduring power of music.

His story isn't simply about becoming a musician.

It's about choosing creativity again and again.

Growing Up Between Miami and New Jersey

Bongo begins by reflecting on his childhood in Miami before moving to New Jersey during the 1960s, where exposure to jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, and an expanding artistic community transformed his understanding of music and possibility.

Although athletics opened doors through a football scholarship, he realized his true calling wasn't on the field—it was behind the drums.

That decision would shape the rest of his life.

Music as Healing

Throughout the interview, Bongo openly shares his struggles with addiction during the 1980s and how music ultimately became the force that helped restore his life.

Rather than allowing hardship to define him, he returned to creativity.

He immersed himself in percussion, flute, jazz, poetry, and performance—using art as a pathway toward healing and purpose.

His story is a reminder that creativity isn't simply entertainment.

Sometimes, it's survival.

From Street Performances to Legendary Jazz Clubs

Bongo recounts performing throughout New York, Harlem, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, eventually sharing stages with accomplished jazz musicians and appearing in historic venues known for shaping America's jazz legacy.

He speaks about learning through experience rather than formal conservatory training, proving that dedication, curiosity, and discipline can become an education of their own.

Honoring The Last Poets

One of the most moving moments of our conversation centers on Bongo's lifelong relationship with The Last Poets.

For decades, he has memorized and performed their work, eventually sharing stages with members of the legendary collective and helping introduce younger generations to their poetry.

To Bongo, preserving these performances isn't nostalgia.

It's cultural responsibility.

African Textile Art & Creative Entrepreneurship

Beyond music, Bongo is also an African textile artist, creating handcrafted garments inspired by African design traditions and his own imagination.

He shares how sewing became another creative outlet—one that allowed him to express identity, culture, and craftsmanship while building an independent artistic practice.

His work reminds us that creativity often refuses to stay inside a single discipline.

Why Stories Like This Matter

This conversation isn't just about jazz.

It's about preserving the voices of artists whose contributions are often overlooked.

It's about documenting wisdom before it's lost.

It's about recognizing that history lives through people—not only institutions.

As filmmakers and storytellers, we have a responsibility to preserve these conversations for future generations.

I'm honored that Bongo trusted me with his story.

Watch the Full Documentary Interview

If you're passionate about jazz, Black history, African culture, documentary storytelling, or the lives of independent artists, I hope you'll take time to watch the full conversation.

Because stories like this deserve to live far beyond a single generation.

About Imani Lenz

Imani Lenz is a documentary filmmaker, photographer, videographer, and music artist documenting real people, creative culture, and meaningful conversations.

Through documentary interviews, films, and visual storytelling, he preserves the experiences, wisdom, and creative journeys that shape our communities.