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, presents an upbeat fusion of Central and West African styles, blending together the aforementioned jazz with soukous, Afro-funk, blues, reggae and much, much more.
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.
Tickets available HERE
The first appointment of 2023 with Arsenal of Sounds is getting closer and closer. We are two weeks away from an Afro-infused evening showcasing the sacred rhythmic fire of Matondology RIOT and the smooth and soulful sound of Seby Ntege and his Band. After having done the honours for Seby…
Artists: Kongo Dia Ntotila , Matondology Riot , Mulele Matondo , Mulele Matondo Afrika , Seby Ntege , Seby Ntege Band
At times, we are the first to lose track of how many exciting music events happen in London each month, so we have decided to offer you some sort of “public musical service”, meant for all the locals and passers-by, with the aim of suggesting where to listen to some…
Artists: Afriqoui , Arteria Fm , Diabel Cissokho , Dub Pistols , Freek , Kasai Masai , Kongo Dia Ntotila , Mamadou Diabate , Mozão , Mulatu Astatke , Natty Campbell , Neue Grafik Ensemble , Parov Stelar , Skylla , Sourakata Koite , Yama Warashi , Young Paris
To bring the Tropics to Cornwall is as complicated as it sounds, but it’s also extremely gratifying. That’s why Tropical Pressure Festival has become a music lover’s dream (whether they are project workers, volunteers, musicians or festival-goers), and that’s how, every July since 2014, the idyllic Mount Pleasant Eco Park…
Artists: Anchorsong , Kongo Dia Ntotila , La-33 , Lindigo , Malphino , Miramundo , Penya , Rumbo Tumba , Samson Sounds , The Bongo Hop , The Scorpios
“360° is the title track and lead single from the new album by London based, Kongo-Jazz band, Kongo Dia Ntotila (Pussyfoot Records). ‘360°’ is a purely instrumental track that grooves a grungy, funked up sound of African London. Inspired by the burgeoning new jazz scene emerging from the U.K. capital, it’s a clear incarnation of…
Artists: Kongo Dia Ntotila
From the first jazz-solo drum rhythms of David Lessie that opened the show, to the cyclical afro-lead from John Kelly’s guitar, every beat of each song resonated throughout the grooving crowd, and certainly through band leader Mulele Matondo, who I’m sure jived to every single note of the show, constantly…
Artists: Kongo Dia Ntotila
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