We know that Notting Hill Carnival is upon us and you only have thoughts about that. But, there’s another exciting community-driven event happening on the same long weekend. On Saturday 25^th August, Rich Mix will go fully Congolese with the London Soukous Festival.

Organised by ACASN Ent, a non-profit organisation supporting African artists in England, and GOUT NA GOUT, the show will host on the Shoreditch venue’s stage a good and proper legend in Central Africa: Awilo Longomba.

You can hardly find anyone more quintessentially soukous than Longomba and his family. Vincent, Awilo’s father, was a founding member of T.P. OK Jazz, while Lovy, his elder brother, sang in Super Mazembe. On his part, Awilo started as a drummer for ensembles like Loketo, Stukas and eventually Viva La Music led by Papa Wemba. However, since 1995, he has given life to a successful solo career, which honed his own style, spread his name all over Africa and brought him to tour all around the world.

Next to Awilo, the London Soukous Festival will enjoy the participation of 10 live acts and DJs to keep you dancing until 2am. Among them will be UK-based Kasai Masai, Renato Mondele and Africa Ngwasuma (formerly known as Lokito Ya Kongo), Gordon Masiala & NKA Musica, and Akanyi La Douce from Belgium.

For one night, forget about Notting Hill and his Carnival, and head for Rich Mix on the 25^th August, where you will be able to rumbear in the Congolese way!

Preview: London African Music Festival @ London (Various Venues, 18-27 September 2015)

For the thirteenth year in a row, London becomes the northernmost African city. Twenty-six acts spread over ten days of “glorious music” and ten London vibrant venues will bring to life the 2015 edition of the London African Music Festival. The event, organized by Joyful Noise since 2003, has always…

Artists: Aar Maanta , Daby Touré , Ebo Taylor , Gordon Masiala , Joe Driscoll And Sekou Kouyate , Mose Fan Fan , Oum , Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 , Suzanna Lubrano , Yinka Davies