Kiniata

Kinshasa is surely one of the world’s most exciting musical cities, and Kin’Gongolo Kiniata are the latest proponents of that raw Kinshasa sound. Their music reflects the street life of their city, from their homemade instruments (a harp made from a plastic tub, drums made from water bottles, etc.) to rhythms based on the calls of street vendors and lyrics speaking of the daily life and politics of ordinary Congolese people. These influences lead to a darker, more serious take on the classic soukous style, a vibe that recalls the brooding of early Jupiter & Okwess and the frenetic energy of Staff Benda Bilili. Kin’Gongolo Kiniata’s music remains eminently and irrefutably danceable but without the pure sunshine of soukous or prim elegance of the older rumba lingala – there’s a party to be had here, but it’s a deeper, more complex occasion. Judging by this debut, this group will make a storming festival band in the summers to come.