Assume Crash Position

Interpreter: Konono No.1
Label: Crammed
Location: D.R. Congo

It seems as though the inimitable Konono No.1 have gone overnight from obscurity to guesting on Herbie Hancock's new album, but in fact they have been going, under the guidance of  founder Mingiedi Mawangu, since the 1960s. They are still building their own instruments from old car parts, but have added a bass player and drummer to occasional tracks, and the result is as thrilling as ever. Check out the real-life drama of 'Makembe' - Mingiedi is running through some words as the wall he is sitting on collapses into a pile of concrete rubble.

MG/28.06.2010