Welcome! Thank you so much for your interest in my music. My name is Zondo. I am a Bassa-Kpelle man from Liberia, West Africa. I was born Abraham Mellish, but am called Zondo after my Great Grandfather, Geahba Zondo, aka ‘the man who could not be captured.’ The Great Geahba Zondo escaped slavery and saved the people of our village, reviving their hope and ensuring our survival. It is my prayer to embody his Spirit and further his mission, helping to unify all Peoples of all Nations.

After having endured war for 13 years, I arrived in the U.S. as an asylee, and music became my refuge. Through many trials & tribulations, I emerged a musician inspired to bridge worlds & create positive change. With my guitar and voice, I juxtapose traditional Liberian roots rhythm with American folk styles, creating music that our hearts innerstand. Born from struggle, my songs aim to heal, unite & ignite our spirits, empowering us to resonate with Truth & Love amidst adversity.

My music theory embodies a profound connection to Osmosis - just as fluid moves across a semipermeable membrane, I merge diverse influences, transcend barriers, and create a captivating sonic experience. My compositions reflect the process of absorption, where musical inspiration flows effortlessly from many genres, styles, and cultures. My performances promise to catalyze personal growth by nurturing self-discovery, integration, and empowerment. I invite you to enjoy my unique tapestry of expression, which celebrates global inter-connectedness at the meeting place of rhythm, culture, activism, and healing!

I am a full-time performing musician and music teacher working to complete and release my all-original debut album. Along with my team, we created The Zondo Project, which was designed to use music’s transformative power to drive social change, advocating for restorative justice, peace, and universal liberation by blending melody, rhythm, and activism into a unified movement.

After living the last 2 years in the Appalachian Mountains, I am pleased to have recently relocated back to the Midwest with my wife and two young children. We live in Michigan on original Potawatomi land. I am excited to be nurturing existing relationships in this region along with access to travel far & wide, following my creative pursuits through avenues dedicated to the liberation of all peoples.

As my fellow Africans have said it: Ubuntu! I am because we are.