rarely do gong I players accompany bands to poto. I have seen metalic and wooden (basically a log ). any one with info origin abd famous gong I players..it is not uniquely congolese but like my tribe it is not as elaborate .

I think it's a question of  necessity, those instruments are rarely used in modern Congolese music, Werrason utilizes them at concerts and so does Papa Wemba, I would also say the most popular player of those instruments is the old man Itshari who is with Papa Wemba, he's actually the longest serving Viva La Musica member and is older than Papa Wemba, I think Papa Wemba's staff upgraded their website, I can't find the old photos of Viva past and present musicians, they had them on the old website.

also lets be honest, ngongi players are by far the least considered musicians of groups

the youngest gongi player should be Carlyto of BCBG .it is a nice instrument just post some examples...

also lets be honest, ngongi players are by far the least considered musicians of groups

Yes, very true indeed, in modern day music the keyboard has replaced most of the traditional instruments.