Films Upstairs:
Heart of the Congo by Tom Weidlinger
www.heartofthecongo.com
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the end of a war, a handful of aid workers help are confronted with threats of violence from roving militias, systemic corruption, and a legacy of colonial dependency. Addressing the divide between the workers and those they aim to help -benefiting from services and luxuries of the modern world that are beyond the reach of the rural Congolese, the Congolese and European aid workers struggle to encourage the will of the people, and build the skills necessary for a self-sufficient future.
Jupiter's Dance by Renaud Barret & Florent de la Tullaye
www.idealeaudience.com
Kinshasa, 7 million inhabitants. The run-down capital of a country adrift: The Democratic Republic of the Congo, made up of a mosaic of 450 ethnic groups. A political headache, yet at the same time, an inexhaustible source of creativity. From the 1950s to the 1980s, Kinshasa was the musical capital of Africa. Musicians from all ethnic groups brought their traditional melodies which they crossed with the Latin-American rhythms imported by the Portuguese colonists, giving birth to Zairian Rumba, Soukouss and Ndombolo. The Kinshasa sound inspired Africa and was exported the world over. Bands and groups thrived and Kinshasa musicians lived from their art. Today, all of these structures have collapsed and this "golden age" is but a distant memory. Since Mobutu was overthrown in 1997, wars of succession, pillaging and exodus have left over 4 million dead and have cast thousands of refugee families onto the streets of an already over-populated megapolis. Despite all, Kinshasa exudes an extraordinary energy and its primary form of expression remains music. Music is everywhere.
Q&A short presentation from Dr Zoë Marriag www.soas.ac.uk
Music Downstairs:
Kasai Masai’s debut album launch
www.kasaimasai.com
Kasai Masai are a five piece band led by Nickens Nkoso, bringing the traditional sound of remote equatorial African villages to London with a contemporary twist! Kasai is a region of Congo that is named after a river, in the heart of the rainforest where many tribes maintain their traditional lifestyles. The Masai are a dignified tribe whose lives still centre around a nomadic existence. Playing ancestral music which has been passed on from generation to generation, their sound is rooted in the healing power of percussion and chanting combined with the majestic Congolese folk guitar and jazz saxophone. Written in Swahili, Lingala and Kimongo, the lyrics reflect the cultural diversity of a region where more than four hundred languages are spoken.
10pm
LIVE PERFORMANCE from Kasai Masai to celebrate the release of debut album ‘Sondela’
11pm
Kasai Masai will be joined by rappers K-Melia, direct from DRC for a live and exclusive jam session.
www.kmelia.com
12pm -2am
DJs Supa Scion & Springfield playing music of many colours from Africa and its Diaspora featuring special guest JAMIE RENTON (Chilli Fried)
Jamie Renton is the London-based global beat DJ, promoter and journalist behind global music night Chilli Fried, featuring the cream of dance sounds from around the world. Over the years Chilli Fried has been proud to present international live guests including Shiyani Ngcobo (South Africa), The Jaipur Kawa Brass Band (India), Laye Sow (Senegal) and Stella Chiweshe (Zimbabwe), and DJs Charlie Gillett, Andy Kershaw, Natty Bo and Eric Soul have all graced the decks.
kalabash movement is a free event but we do ask for donations to support artists and filmakers
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