If you’re unable to join us in person, why not watch the live-stream (click on this link) The stream will go live a little before 18:30hrs GMT. To watch is free, but donations are warmly welcomed to support bursaries for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend https://stethelburgas.org/donate-new/
Kasaï Masaï is named after the river Kasai in Congo, and a region of the same name, that lies in the heart of the rain forest where many tribes such as the Baka still maintain their traditional lifestyles. The Masai, just like the Baka, are another dignified tribe whose lives still centre around a nomadic existence.
Based in London, Kasaï Masaï bring audiences the traditional sound of the most remote equatorial villages with an urban twist. The band plays ancestral music which has been passed on from generation to generation. It is rooted in the healing power of percussion and chanting combined with the majestic sound of the Congolese folk guitar. The saxophone and an MC were added to bring a new element to the music creating ‘essential urban grooves from Kinshasa’. Members of Kasaï Masaï perform on djembe, guitar, saxophone, bass and drum and are sometimes accompanied by one or two female dancers.
Kasaï Masaï have performed across the globe and at many festivals, including RainForest Festival- Malaysia, Oman World Music Festival, World Music Festival – Bahrain, Zain – Spain, Clonmel Festival – Republic of Ireland, World Music LX09 – Portugal. Their music has featured on Andy Kershaw’s “World and New”, “Later with Jool’s Holand”, “John Peel session”, BBC3 World Music Day, and Resonance FM.
Kasaï Masaï is led by percussionist, singer and dancer Nickens Nkoso. Nickens is a well known figure on the world music circuit. He has worked alongside international Congolese artists, among them, Koffi Olomide, Papa Wemba, Kanda Bongoman, Mose Fan Fan and Sam Mapangala. In the UK, he has been a member of Koko Kanyinda’s Soukous Koumbele, Robert Maseko’s Congo Beat, Baboma. Nickens has appeared at many festivals including Glastonbury, Womad Reading, Womad Grand Canary. Weltnacht (Germany), Womad Adelaide 2006. He has also played at the African Nations Cup in Tunisia in 2004.
“Kasai Masai successfully marry a respect for vintage grooves with an overwhelming urge to move the dance floor this is the sound of the old and new, of the countryside and the city, from deep in the heart of Africa…” Nige Tassell—Womad Festival
‘Listen to the World’ is a place of live music where the traditions and talents of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers find a home among local artists. Come and join us, as either a listener or performer, everyone is welcome.
Co-ordinator: For all questions about Listen to the World or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jo Winsloe Slater at jo.winsloe@stethelburgas.org.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Arts Council:
