Who is Mngwa? [ming-wah] MNGWA takes its name from a giant cat that once stalked the jungles of eastern Africa. A 9-piece band made up of Russians, Mexicans, and Canadians, they are a strange beast indeed. What began with the intention of playing South American cumbia has evolved into something much more volatile and mysterious. Mixing in elements of psychedelic rock, dub, African rhythms, and vocals in four languages, MNGWA injects the global music scene with a fresh perspective. They call it "Vancumbia Ambush". Based in East Vancouver, MNGWA has earned a reputation as a supernatural party band, hosting underground shows that include video projections, costumes, puppets, live artwork, and a colourful entourage of nomadic music fans.