MOFAYA

Follows a gifted musician from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as he embarks on a dangerous and emotional journey to escape the violence and persecution in his war-torn country. With nothing but his guitar as his guiding light.
Follows a gifted musician from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as he embarks on a dangerous and emotional journey to escape the violence and persecution in his war-torn country. With nothing but his guitar as his guiding light.

MOFAYA

A documentary film that follows a talented musician from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as he embarks on a dangerous and emotional journey to escape the violence and persecution in his war-torn country, with only a guitar as his guiding light.

An evocative journey showcasing the power of music and resilience. A stark reminder of how music can be both a refuge in our darkest hours and a celebration in our moments of joy.

Johnny Tran
CEO, Quantumply
ABOUT

After losing his father and brother to corrupt armed forces in the Congo, Mermans 'Mofaya' Mosengo had no choice but to escape. This is a real life epic adventure about how Mofaya smuggled himself across Africa in trains, planes and automobiles with his guitar as a guiding light. Mofaya's musical talent became his spiritual passport that has inspired millions of people around the world.

- Jesse Bernstein, Film Producer
MOFAYA LESSONS
So let us take the lessons Mofaya has taught us: to never give up on our dreams, to cherish our loved ones, and to use our talents and passions to make a positive impact in the world. Because as they have shown us, anything is possible with music as our passport.

So let us take the lessons Mofaya has taught us: to never give up on our dreams, to cherish our loved ones, and to use our talents and passions to make a positive impact in the world. Because as they have shown us, anything is possible with music as our passport.

Hi! I’m Will. I design products that delight and inspire customers.

Thank you to every supporter that helped make this dream a reality.

MOFAYA

Mofaya Music School

Where Dreams Sing!

Mofaya's Mission

The mission of the Mofaya Music School is to provide a creative outlet for marginalized youth through music education.

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact in socially- disadvantaged communities in Africa.
The mission of the Mofaya Music School is to provide a creative outlet for marginalized youth through music education.

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact in socially- disadvantaged communities in Africa.

THE VISION

Mofaya’s journey speaks to the power of human spirit, the strength of family bonds, and the transformative power of music. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, we can choose to hold on to our dreams and pursue them with courage and tenacity.

Mofaya’s journey speaks to the power of human spirit, the strength of family bonds, and the transformative power of music. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, we can choose to hold on to our dreams and pursue them with courage and tenacity.

The Dream

After receiving his Green Card and becoming a citizen of the United States, Mofaya has a dream to return home to create the Mofaya Music School where children of the Congo will be able to immerse themselves in their rich cultural heritage.

After receiving his Green Card and becoming a citizen of the United States, Mofaya has a dream to return home to create the Mofaya Music School where children of the Congo will be able to immerse themselves in their rich cultural heritage.


Empowering Dreams, One Child, One Note at a Time

Through his music, Mofaya found a way to connect with people from all walks of life, to share his story, and to spread a message of hope and resilience. Mofaya’s talent and determination became his spiritual passport, allowing him to cross borders and overcome barriers that would have seemed insurmountable to others.

VISIT OUR DOCUMENTARY HERE

The Mofaya Music School

Mofaya had a dream to return home to create the Mofaya Music School where Congolese children will be able to teach to craft traditional instruments, play music, and gain insights into the history and significance of their culture.

Beyond the classroom, students will have the opportunity to record and share music with the world, fostering a sense of pride and unity. The Mofaya Music School underscores the transformative power of music and preserving artistic expression for generations to come.

Your powerful Heading for the Hero section

Mofaya had a dream to return home to create the Mofaya Music School where Congolese children will be able to teach to craft traditional instruments, play music, and gain insights into the history and significance of their culture.

Beyond the classroom, students will have the opportunity to record and share music with the world, fostering a sense of pride and unity. The Mofaya Music School underscores the transformative power of music and preserving artistic expression for generations to come.

Rendition of School in Kinshasa, DRC

Rendition of School in Kinshasa, DRC

Meet The Team Behind
The Mofaya Music School
& Documentary

Meet The Team Behind
The Documentary & Music School

We are the heartbeat behind MOFAYA

Our Team

Mermans ‘Mofaya’ Mosengo

Mofaya's journey speaks to the power of human spirit, the strength of family bonds, and the transformative power of music.

It reminds us that in the face of adversity, we can choose to hold on to our dreams and pursue them with courage and tenacity.

In 2019, Mofaya received his Green Card guaranteeing him permanent citizenship into the United States

Jason Tamba

Jason started playing music at the age of seven. He built his first guitar out of wood and four strings. After learning on his own, Jason proudly earned a degree in classical guitar.

Alongside Mofaya, Jason received his Green Card guaranteeing him permanent citizenship into the United States in 2019.

Jesse Bernstein

Born in New York and raised in Texas, Jesse has always been fascinated with storytelling.

With a Film degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Jesse moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in entertainment.  After building an acting career that has spanned more that two decades, Jesse realized that his true passion was behind the camera. With the ability to provoke thought, capture authentic emotions and shed light on important topics, Jesse found himself drawn to documentary filmmaking.

Andy Weiss

Andy Weiss’ foray into crafting scenes that reflect larger than life characters dealing with over-the-top situations began after his first feature film as a Writer and Producer on the hit MTV series “Punk’d.”

Shortly after he would work alongside George Gallo as Co-Writer and Co-Executive Producer of the feature film MIDDLE MEN and other documentaries.

Most recently, Andy wrote the feature film THE WAR OF 84 for Netflix with Screen Arcade and Move Films producing.

Michael W. Abbott

Michael W. Abbott is a Los Angeles based Producer & Director whose work has premiered at Sundance and Cannes and has also become some of the most watched films on Netflix, Showtime, Hulu and Amazon. Move Films is his production company.

Abbott has produced award winning documentary branded content for Microsoft, Namco-Bandai Games, Marriott Hotels and GM/Cadillac and most recently, Olivia Rodrigo.

Mike Weiss

Michael J. Weiss has 23 years in litigation and transactional practice with expertise in:

Motion Picture & Television Finance, Production, and Distribution.

Served as production, finance, and/or distribution counsel on more than 100 productions.

Represented numerous writers, directors, and producers in thousands of transactions including book publishing agreements, option purchase agreements, shopping agreements, writer and director services engagements, "Life Rights" releases, and estate licenses.

Debbie Vandermeulen

Debbie has 30+ years of experience mentoring dozens of filmmakers. Passionate about translating profound and
meaningful stories into impactful pieces of cinematic entertainment, her films have been recognized at
international film festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto. She has chaired, judged, and participated in numerous prominent film festivals around the world.

As Founder of Fusion Features, Debbie has been successful in building enduring collaborative relationships among entertainment, corporate, education, sports, radio, nonprofit, government and community partners. Adept at establishing strategic alliances, Debbie is uniquely able to acquire talent and create win-win strategies.

Scout

Meet Scout, the brave Chihuahua Terrier rescue who not only assisted behind the scenes with her unwavering loyalty and charm but also makes a memorable appearance in the film, showcasing her endearing spirit and dedication to the project.


Mermans 'Mofaya' Mosengo and Jesse Bernstein met in 2023 in Venice Beach, CA when Mofaya was traveling the world and playing music on an O-1 Visa.

Mofaya got the opportunity to return to Africa to move his family to California. Jesse asked if he could document the journey. This is when the idea for the documentary was born.

Mofaya notified Jesse of his dream to return to build a music school for children in his hometown in Kinshasa, DRC. This is when the idea for the school was born.

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