Bongo Charlie, Suriname’s Recycled-Sound Pioneer, Dies at 70

Obituary: Paramaribo Key Facts —Who. Leon “Charlie” Lemmer, known across Suriname as Bongo Charlie, was a percussionist, instrument maker and sound artist. —Death. He died on the evening of Sunday 2 August 2026 at the age of 70; he had reportedly suffered a stroke around May. —Signature. He built instruments from natural materials and recycled…