Konono's Amplified Likembe Revelation
Konono Nº1's amplified likembé sound from Kinshasa exploded globally with 'Congotronics,' inspiring Björk, Herbie Hancock, and new generations to embrace its 'tradi-modern' power.
Tracklist
- Lufuala Ndonga — Konono Nº1
- Earth Intruders — Björk
- Imagine — Herbie Hancock
- Nlele Kalusimbiko — Konono Nº1 Meets Batida
- Malukayi — Mbongwana Star
- Banza Banza — Congotronics International
Transcript
Welcome to OffStereo. Hope your afternoon's going well. Let's dig in.
Lufuala Ndonga — Konono Nº1
"Lufuala Ndonga" by Konono Nº1. Founded in 1966 by Mingiedi Mawangu, Konono Nº1 began by adapting traditional Zombo ritual music, originally played on elephant tusk horns, to the likembé. Their signature sound emerged from likembés fitted with handmade microphones from salvaged car alternator magnets, plugged into rudimentary amplification systems. The group's self-classified 'tradi-modern' style exploded globally with their 2004 album, 'Congotronics.'
Earth Intruders — Björk
"Earth Intruders" by Björk. Konono No1's raw, distorted likembe sound, described by World Music Central as a 'radical mutation' connecting them to experimental rock, caught the attention of diverse artists. Björk, seeking an electronic rhythm not tied to a computer grid, famously collaborated with Konono No1 on this track from her 2007 album, 'Volta.'
Imagine — Herbie Hancock
"Imagine" by Herbie Hancock. The influence of Konono No1 extended to jazz royalty, demonstrating the universal appeal of their unique sound. Herbie Hancock featured the group on his 2010 album 'The Imagine Project,' a rendition that later won a Grammy Award for 'Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals' in 2011.
Nlele Kalusimbiko — Konono Nº1 Meets Batida
"Nlele Kalusimbiko" by Konono Nº1 Meets Batida. The group's commitment to sonic innovation continued, embracing new collaborations that blended their established sound with fresh perspectives. Konono Nº1 released a full collaborative album in 2016 with Angolan-Portuguese producer Batida, further expanding their 'Congotronics' aesthetic.
Malukayi — Mbongwana Star
"Malukayi" by Mbongwana Star. Konono No1's impact resonates throughout the Kinshasa music scene, inspiring new generations to explore similar 'tradi-modern' fusions. The group contributed to this track on Mbongwana Star's 2015 album 'From Kinshasa,' showcasing their enduring influence on contemporary Congolese artists.
Banza Banza — Congotronics International
"Banza Banza" by Congotronics International. The legacy of Konono No1's amplified likembe sound culminated in the formation of the 'Congotronics International' supergroup, a testament to their profound global impact. This collective, which released 'Where's The One' in 2022, continues to champion the distinctive 'brutal and industrial flavor' pioneered by Mingiedi Mawangu.
Thanks for listening to OffStereo. We hope the unique vibrations of those amplified instruments continue to resonate, opening your ears to new musical horizons.