KIN’GONGOLO KINIATA

Congo

Kin’Gongolo Kiniata from Kinshasa is one of the most innovative voices in the current Congolese music scene. The band stands for an unmistakable sound: an explosive mix of Afropop, punk, electro and soukous, played on self-built instruments made from recycled materials. Their name – “the crushing sound” – refers to the energy and force with which they bring urban rhythms, driving grooves and dense, polyphonic vocals to the stage. The musicians transform everyday waste such as plastic bottles, tin cans and old television housings into xylophones, guitars and bass drums – and thus turn garbage into music. This creative form of upcycling is not only their trademark, but also a statement: in a city that is struggling with massive waste problems, Kin’Gongolo Kiniata are setting an example for the sustainable use of resources and drawing attention to ecological challenges. Their songs, sung in Lingala, tell of the realities of urban life in Kinshasa: of social inequality, hope, resistance and the effects of environmental pollution – especially on the Congo River and its banks. Kin’Gongolo Kiniata are known for their electrifying live shows, where they captivate the audience and bring the energy of the streets of Kinshasa to the stage. Their latest album “Kiniata” is considered a milestone: it combines the creative power of upcycling with a new, international perspective on Congolese music.

July 26 – Kuhsee – 7:00 p.m.

Photo: Mustache Muhanya

Illustration: Alex Bon