Performance - 5 July 2015
Kasai Allstars draws on traditional trance music, to which they’ve incorporated heavily-distorted sounds generated by DIY amplification of their instruments. But, coming from an area which is musically very rich, they use diverse rhythms, timbres and instrumentation: the trademark electrified thumb pianos are joined by an array of buzzing drums, swirling guitars and hypnotic balafons.
Kasaï Allstars is a collective, which regroups members from several other bands, including Masanka Sankayi and Basokin. They all originate from Kasaï (a Congolese province the size of France), but come from very diverse musical traditions, such as the Luba and the Lulua, which were thought to be incompatible until these musicians decided to put their resources together and form this "super group".
As a result, their live show is particularly impressive, as the band includes a variety of singers and soloists who all perform in their own styles. The dancers' spectacularly erotic performances are also noteworthy.
Their live show is really something not to be missed. The wild, driving rhythms and exhilarating vocals are further enhanced by spectacular dancing.
During this tour in 2015, the line up of 13 musicians will include a reinforced rhythm section (with drums, electric bass and two guitars) which will bring a rockier foundation to their mesmerizing Congolese trance music.
The newest release is ‘Beware The Fetish’ (June 2014, Crammed Discs), a 2CD collection of over 100 minutes of wild, trance-inducing, raw intensity.
It's a startling blend of tradition and urban.
‘Mi Amor’ Hubert Mputu Ebondo, vocals
‘Kabongo’ Celestin Tshisensa, electric likembe, vocals
‘Muambuyi’ Ntumba Ngalula Tshibangu, vocals
‘Baila’ Edmond Tshilumba Nkelende, madimba (balafon)
‘Ditu’ Corneil Kalenga, electric likembe, vocals
‘Tandjolo’ René Yatshi, lokolé (slit drum), vocals
‘Tshimanga’ David Muamba, resonator drum, vocals
‘Mopero’ Mupemba Lumbwe, guitar, vocals
‘François’ Kalenga Nsomue, guitar
Sébastien Ngangu Tiabakuau, bass guitar
‘Sylvie’ Ngalula Ndaye, vocals, dancing
‘Mamie’ Bosio Tokala, vocals, dancing
Sam Gysel, drums