Bonkoko from Kinshasa Singles by Mulele Matondo Afrika

This song pays homage to the sounds and rhythms of Ba Twa (the pygmies) of Kongo. You can hear their forests in the music. Crying guitars, calling drums, and liberating melodies take you on a journey of unexpected turns through polyrhythmic, polyphonic play.

The Lingala word, 'Bonkoko' refers to the traditional way of life, heritage, culture, and also, in this context, to a descendant of Ba Twa.

“Ba Twa have been repressed, forgotten, oppressed, displaced... In this song, we are remembering their suffering, and we are shouting to call them back. Do not forget, they were there, they are still there, and they will remain there. Ingeta!” Mulele Matondo Afrika

Check the music video: http://youtu.be/Z9-Q2hrjUc4

Tracklist

3.	Bonkoko	2:12

Credits

from Kinshasa Singles, released February 1, 2015
'Bonkoko' is the first of three Kinshasa Singles recorded in collaboration with talented local artists of Matete, a Kinshasa suburb full of creativity. The musicians who performed on the track:

Mulele Matondo Afrika - guitar
Dior Sakuba - lead guitar
Lumumba Seguin - drums
Maboko Kimbangu - percussion
Niko - bass guitar
Yannick Olympia & Nicole - chants & ululations, percussion

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