KIKWETU and other KENYAN BANDS

LondonLMC444 · Lookin' After Number 1

KIKWETU and other KENYAN BANDS

motema2004 · Tonight

Hopefully he sees this post, it's a great idea, and best wishes.

oeokosko · House on Fire

I don't know this band Kikwetu but when I read RUMBA, I'm interested - http://www.african.nl/kikwetu.htm

That is one concert I would love to be able to get to! West African and South African music may be very popular with the "World Music" aficionados but Congolese and East African rumba is what gets in my veins.

I wish those Kenyan bands good luck in their endeavour.

-- Edited by oeokosko at 21:23, 2005-06-16

motema2004 · Tonight

In my veins too!!!Ca c'st bonne ca!!! This clip is one of the early Congolese groups from the 80's and set the trend for today's Congolese music. There are usually at least 5 guys, one of whom is called the "animateur" who gives the calls, something like a cheerleader. There are also often 3 guitarists, plus a bass player, and drummer; sometimes there can be two to six lady dancers as well. You can't stay in your seat with this!! The dances have names like "Kwassa Kwassa" (quoi ca=French=what's this) which are invented on the streets. This particular one is said to have been invented by an automobile mechanic. The street youths are called "ba-shangan" and they are sharp dressers too, they set the fashions. There's a lot more to this but enjoy the video..it's a real TREAT!!!!

oeokosko · House on Fire

Yes, interesting that the 'floor gymnastics' are there in an undeveloped way in the early 80's. The dancing is all in the movement of the hips. Who can say that something like this wouldn't go down a storm live in front of a mainly white audience?