KONONO N°1 [CONGO]

Just like hip hop Konono N°1 are composed of four elements. They combine their electronic likembé (a traditional thumb piano that resembles mbira) with voices, dance and percussion that are made from different scrap-heap materials. In Kinshasa, the capital of Kongo, they have reached fame since the 70’s, but it was not until recently, after the release of Congotronics (Crammed Records 2005) that they had a break through in festivals around the world.

The electronic is minimal, partly home made and altogether analogue which makes a vivid surface noise. The group’s rudimentary amplifier includes a microphone carved in wood and provided with a magnet from a generator and a gigantic horn shaped sound-wave spreader.

Their real name is L’orcheastre folklorique T.P Konono N°1 de Mingiedi. ”T.P” is short for tout puissant (all powerful) but also their way of honouring the Congolese musician Franco aka T.P OK Jazz.

The orchestra was founded more than three decades ago by the truck driver and likembé player Mawangu Mingiedi now in his seventies. Mingiedi belongs to an ethnique group from the Angolan boarder. He adapted his likembé ensemble to zombo music originally played with wind-instrument made of ivory; one of the most haunted primary products that - during King Leopold II:s colonial rule - led to one of the most horrifying genocides in history of mankind.

This is Konono N°1 first time in Sweden after years of touring in Africa, Northern America and Europe. They recently finished a co-operation with Björk where they contribute on the album Volta. They will also join her on her promotion tour. Dj Mleccha

The concert is arranged in cooperation together with Museum of World Culture.