The Ituri rainforest is a world that is essentially good, where life normally runs smoothly and easily. Any break in that flow is abnormal, but such is not the result of any malevolence, nor due to any evil person or spirit at work. The forest is always full of sound, a constant background referred to as ndura a lufu (lit. the forest is talking), and so if the forest stops talking, it is a sign that something is very wrong, a warning of imminent danger.

It is said that “if things go wrong, it must be because God is sleeping. If he were awake and seeing us he would not let this happen.” So what is there to do? Sing. And the power of the song is to awaken God, and that is all that is needful, for when he is awake then everything will return to normal. Only by a special sound can God be awakened, and the ceremonies and songs of the molimo and elima facilitate the acquisition of the right to take part in these sacred songs, upon which the welfare of the community depends. S’uti mota ningo’e, akami sinana’e, imba nde bonga’i—⁠—Sound is very strong indeed; noise is bad, but song is good.