Global Beats Series - In Association with Shades of Soul Ltd & Rhythm Passport

Kongo Dia Ntotila

Trans-Rhythm Express #3

Event Has Passed

Last Show: Wednesday 4 th December 2019

PizzaExpress Live (Holborn)

You can call it Afro-jazz, but we prefer to define it “Afro-joy”, because that’s what Kongo Dia Ntotila eventually bring and share with their music. The London-based six-piece band, led by talented Congolese bass player Mulele Matondo, present an upbeat fusion of Central and West African styles, blending together the aforementioned jazz with soukous, Afro-funk, blues, reggae and much, much more.

Photo Credits #1 Paul John Roberts; #2 & #3 Birikiti Pegram

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“A great combination of sophistication, energy, musicianship and pure life-affirming spiritual uplift!”

Tom Robinson – BBC6 Music

Since 2012, when it was formed in Leeds, the ensemble has shaped and developed its very own Pan-African sound, integrating the African roots of Mulele Matondo, Mbouta Kissangwa and Diala Sikaba (drummer and rhythmic guitar of the band) with the jazzy guitar played by John Kelly and far-out saxophone and trumpet of Will Scott and Mike Soper.

360°, their recently-released second album, is indeed a musical journey throughout the African continent with a dancy twist and London perspective. On stage, the energetic character of Kongo Dia Ntotila’s tunes is even more emphasised thanks to their vibrant brass lines, polyrhythmic grooves and relentless beats.

Open your arms (and ears) and welcome the heartfelt Kongo-jazz vibe of Kongo Dia Ntotila.

Band Lineup

John Kelly (guitar) / Dior Sakuba (second guitar)
Mike Soper (trumpet)
Will Scott (alto/tenor saxophone)
Mbouta Kissangwa (drums, lead vocals)
Mulele Matondo (bass, lead vocals)