Kanda Bongo Man is one of the giants of African popular music and a pioneer of modern Congolese Soukous, the guitar-led music of Central and East Africa.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kanda is known for his distinctive high tenor vocals, singing in both Lingala and French, and for helping to bring Soukous to audiences around the world. He is also credited with popularising the Kwasa Kwasa, the hugely influential Congolese dance style.
Over a career spanning several decades, Kanda has performed in more than 40 African countries and toured extensively across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. His UK appearances have included Glastonbury, WOMAD and the Royal Festival Hall, as well as an appearance on BBC Two’s Later… with Jools Holland. In 2005, he also performed as part of the Live 8 Africa Calling event at the Eden Project.
Kanda Bongo Man brings his band to Marsden Mechanics for an evening of classic Congolese Soukous, driven by intricate guitars, infectious rhythms and a sound that has filled dancefloors around the world.
As part of our Grassroots Music Programme supported by Arts Council England