Kasai Allstars – Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound (Crammed Discs
2021)
Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound is the fourth album from Congolese musical collective Kasai Allstars. Release date is out on May 7, 2021.
The group was formed from the gathering of five bands from the Kasai region in the southern Democratic Republic of Congo. They represent five different ethnic groups: the Songye, Lulua, Tetela, Luba, and Luntu.
Kasai Allstars features fascinating singers, call and response vocals, outstanding Congolese-style guitars, electronics rhythms generated with self-made devices, a wide range of traditional percussion, and trance-like altered kalimbas.
One of the singles from the album is available on video. ‘Olooh, A War Dance for Peace’ represents an ancestral custom in certain villages: when a problem crops up between some residents, they seek a peaceful solution by performing a specific war dance, carrying weapons in their hands. It’s a dance that is used to signal the end of hostilities, and serves at the present time to solve conflicts.
The album was produced by Kasai Allstars guitarist Mopero Mupemba, who wrote half of the songs. Band members include vocalists Bijou, Muambuyi, and Mi Amor; electric likembe (kalimba or thumb piano) player and vocalist Kabongo Tshisensa, and instrumentalists Tandjolo and Bayila.
More about Kasai Allstars
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.