Not only have the Congolese stars of Konono N°1 delivered one of the albums of the year with their latest album ‘Konono N°1 meets Batida’ , but all the press agree that the new African hype in Europe: ‘Konono N°1 meets Batida’ is a classic in the making too! A brief overview of the words of praise:
De Standaard: *****
“‘Tokolanda’ is een minutenlang aangehouden herhaling van één begeesterend motief, ‘Bom Dia’ is veeleer verwant aan oergospel. Weinig muziek wekt vandaag zo authentiek trance op. “
The Wire: ****
“If you prefer your African music to be more dancefloor-friendly, Batida's Portuguese take on Konono has plenty going on.”
Uncut: 7/10
“A set that feels avant and outre and yet deliriously danceable at the same time.”
Spin Magazine: 8/10
“While this album is inarguably Konono’s slickest offering yet, slick remains a relative term with these lo-fi guys.”
Pitchfork: 6.8/10
“The Congolese ensemble pairs with the Angolan-born producer Batida, and their best moments resemble a Ferris wheel spinning off its moorings, letting grooves careen and rumble as they might.”
Nothing but high praise for these Grammy-winners who, together with Mbogwana Star, are the flagbearers of African music. So be sure not to miss them on Sunday 15 May in our AB Club!
