Kanda Bongo Man - The King of Kwassa Kwassa

Doors 6.30pm | Performance 8pm & 8.30pm on Fridays | Event Calendar CLICK HERE The Soul Mama Menu offers a delightful blend of African, Caribbean, and South American cuisine. Soul Mama was listed in the ?top restaurants to look forward to in 2024 list? by the Evening Standard. Please take a moment to explore our menu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ? ?Kanda Bongo Man ? The King of Kwassa Kwassa is back with his after Valentine?s Day Rumba and Soukous Dance? Toleka Events presents a special After Valentine?s Day Rumba and Soukous Dance with Congolese music icon Kanda Bongo Man?? the undisputed King of Kwassa Kwassa. Kanda Bongo Man stands as one of the original superstars of the golden era of Congolese rumba and soukous.This elegant evening brings together live African music and dance, with fine dining available.A founding pioneer of Soukous, Kanda Bongo Man introduced the world to Kwassa Kwassa, harnessing its infectious hip movements and working with key guitarists including Diblo Dibala and the late Nene Tchakou?to define a sound that transformed dance floors across Africa, Europe, and the world.Performing live with a full band, this rare London appearance promises infectious guitar lines, driving rhythms, and a curated selection of Kanda Bongo Man?s greatest classics rarely performed live in recent years. The set includes rumba favourites such as ?Sweet Elizabeth?,? alongside golden-era soukous concert favourites and other signature works from his prestigious catalogue. Presented by Toleka Events, Kanda Bongo Man ? The King of Kwassa Kwassa ? Is Back. This evening brings together the best of Kanda Bongo Man with our line-up of next generation artists and a?DJ delivering a high-energy mix of Congolese music, Afrobeats, and Southern African music.? This is a night not to be missed. Join us for live Congolese rumba and soukous, full band, on the dancefloor. Expect to dance. Come dressed to impress. One night only at Soul Mama. ?If Kanda Bongo Man doesn?t make you want to dance, call an ambulance ? you?re dead.?? ??The Guardian ARTIST BIO:Kanda Bongo Man is one of the founding pioneers of Soukous and the creator of the internationally recognised Kwassa Kwassa rhythm. Born in 1955 in Inongo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he began his musical journey as a vocalist with Orchestre Belle Mambo before establishing a successful solo career following his move to Paris in 1979.Kanda revolutionised Congolese dance music by introducing guitar solos throughout songs, creating a dynamic musical approach that energised recordings and live performances. This innovation gave rise to Kwassa Kwassa, a rhythm and dance that spread rapidly across Africa, Europe, and the diaspora.His discography includes influential albums such as Kwassa Kwassa and Amour Fou, and his collaborations with key musicians including Diblo Dibala and the late Nene Tchakou?helped define an era of Soukous music. Today, Kanda Bongo Man continues to tour internationally, celebrated as a respected and enduring figure whose music brings generations together through Congolese Rumba and Soukous dance.? ? The Guardian ?If Kanda Bongo Man doesn?t make you want to dance, call an ambulance ? you?re dead.? https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/sep/30/kanda-bongo-man-review-african-music-soukous The Guardian ?Introduced on stage as both ?a legend? and ?the king?, Kanda Bongo Man is a key figure in the history of Congolese music.? https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/sep/11/worldmusic The Independent ?The mesmerising guitars and hip-swinging rhythms of Congolese soukous have captivated Western dance floors more than any other African music ? with Kanda Bongo Man at the forefront.? https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/kanda-bongo-man-review-live-tour-dates-a8259696.html Nation Africa / Daily Monitor ?Kanda Bongo Man stands so tall among the soukous giants that it is often said if he performs and you do not respond, check your pulse because you are probably not alive.? https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/how-kanda-bongo-man-charmed-his-way-into-hearts-1866252 Nightshift Magazine (UK) ?If Kanda Bongo Man can?t make you dance, call an ambulance ? you must be dead or dying.? https://nightshiftmag.co.uk/2016/nov.pdf