- Kokoko! is, surprisingly, yet another welcomed example of what’s becoming a winning formula for performance and community street arts bursting out of neighbourhoods of Kinshasa. The five examples featured on this their debut EP Liboso meaning ‘forward, straight ahead’ is just a tantalising taste of an eventual full album to be released mid-2019.
The band have become known for the creation of their own urban aesthetic, up-cycling the detritus from the streets of Ngwaka and inventing instruments from engine parts, plastic containers and cans resulting in a sculptural, sonic, dance music collective originating from a block party of musicians, artists and dancers from the Lingwala neighbourhood of Kinshasa.
The lo-fi vibe and the fast, distorted rhythms are guided by electronic producer debruit and the Lingwala devil – Makara Bianco who head up this at times, chaotic expression of the city’s refusal to bow to the imposed harsh realities of the DRC’s political instability.
Shot in Kinshasa, the video of their new single Azo Toke translates and bridges the analogue nod to their recordings and the sharp, detailed, HD visuals of live performance that includes a 3D, -and psychedelic at times- theatrical dance performance. The EP opener Blvd Lumumba (the road that leads into Africa’s third largest city) ambles along with a giant, sculptural ‘Jesus Crisis’ harp, offering a wistful starter and reminiscence of early house. Affaire A Mbongo (Money Problems) rattles the cobwebs out of an early '80’s No Wave vibe and the hypnotic Longola Ye Kupe featuring Dido’s throbbing bassline is an inspired combination of the rockier ends of '70’s Osibisa and Motown.
The now established ‘Congotronics’ of the likes of Konono No1, the Kasai All Stars, the now disbanded Staff Benda Bilili and the Congolese musicians scattered throughout the diaspora like Baloji, does it’s best to satisfy urban followers of the expanding wealth of talented artists emerging from this resource-rich and shamefully exploited nation. For this latest exponent of the sound, the rasping but impassioned voice of Makara Bianco lends an important signature to a creative collision of different but cohesive artists. One is only left to wonder whether this tantaling but diminutive sound document truly does justice to what is obviously a more expansive experience.
- Rick Heritage.