Mbongwana Star is a newly formed band from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Made up of a sprawling network of shanty-towns and night shelters, day-to-day life in the city is far from easy, but the band don’t want sympathy. Tired of pre-conceptions around African music, Mbongwana Star (‘Mbongwana’ means ‘change’) are creating their own identity, fusing traditional Congolese rhythms with post punk and electronics inspired by life in the townships around them, “making magic out garbage” says producer and band member Doctor L (who produced Tony Allen’s ‘Black Voices’ album). The result is revolutionary machine. This isn’t an African band per se. It’s a trans-global barrier-busting sound. Mbongwana comprises members of the hugely popular Staff Benda Bilili.
Congolese musicians Coco Ngambali and Theo Nzonza were living with polio on the streets of their country’s capital Kinshasa until the success of their band Staff Benda Bilili took them around the world in 2009. When that group split in 2013, Coco and Theo launched Mbongwana Star. This new seven-piece is a thrilling coming-together of Coco’s songwriting, a younger generation of street musicians and production from Liam Farrell (aka Doctor L), who has collaborated with Afrobeat originator Tony Allen. Their debut is a revelation. It moves effortlessly from the gently swaying ‘Coco Blues’ to the irresistible rhythms of ‘Suzanna’ and ‘Malukayi’. At its very best (see the dirty groove of ‘Kala’) this joyous carnival of sound is underpinned with a throbbing electronic heartbeat. It may be titled ‘From Kinshasa’, but this record could easily be from the future.
The Fat Angel Sings 