Mbongwana Star, a group who formed from the disbanded Congolese rhumba outfit Staff Benda Bilili, took the music press by storm with their debut LP From Kinshasa, an album which married the varying, gritty textures of post-punk and dub reggae with the rhythms of African funk and popular music. They embarked on their first UK tour last month with an emphatic statement; a 100% accessible tour, which prioritised the access requirements of gig-goers and their wheelchair-using frontmen alike.
The tour saw them appear live at Africa Oye before stopping at Band on the Wall on 23rd May and heading to Glastonbury festival for a slot on the West Holts Stage. The Skinny said of their Band on the Wall show, “Stripped back, the multigenerational Congolese collective resemble a nimble garage band, able to skip adeptly between Afrobeat and western classic rock and funk rhythms.” adding that, “With the rich textures of constantly shifting combinations of beautifully harmonious refrains and infectious, melodic chants, each singer’s personality begins to shine through.”
Check out their Glastonbury set and a track from their show here at Band on the Wall, below.
