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From Kinshasa

Mbongwana Star

From Kinshasa

Debut LP from the Kinshasa, Congo group fusing traditional Congolese rhythms with post punk and electronics

ADM rating[?]

8.6

Label
World Circuit
UK Release date
18/05/2015
US Release date
19/05/2015
  1. 10.0 |   The Guardian

    A gripping mix of excitement, apprehension and sensory overload
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  2. 10.0 |   The FT

    Furiously distorted bricolage of Afro-retro-futurism, soukous and Afrobeat
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  3. 10.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    With their debut Mbongwana Star have made a really classic record for the ages, and what’s more, one that could shape a whole lot of music to come
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  4. 9.0 |   musicOMH

    Its superb combination of muscular groove playing with tenderness and longing is winning, and an encapsulation of the flexibility and versatility that makes Mbongwana Star such an exciting project
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  5. 9.0 |   NME

    At its very best (see the dirty groove of ‘Kala’) this joyous carnival of sound is underpinned with a throbbing electronic heartbeat
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  6. 9.0 |   Spin

    Two forward-looking cosmopolitans (plus friends) craft new directions in urban sound
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  7. 8.5 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Utterly futuristic and profoundly in tune with the space age whilst also giving the distinct impression that it's been built out of rusty materials
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  8. 8.0 |   Clash

    This new incarnation of Ngambali and Nzonza's muse confidently steps outside the sometimes rather cozy confines of 'world' music and into the 21st Century
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  9. 8.0 |   The Quietus

    There is a menacing attraction here, and Mbongwana Star cleverly balance the sunshine vibes of soukous with the gritty reality of life in a Kinshasa slum
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  10. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Fat throbbing beats and clattering Afropop rhythms with an electro-hip-hop vibe. Print edition only

  11. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Back to the future, Congolese style
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  12. 8.0 |   Q

    Stunning collision of West African street funk and European studio craft, exhilarating! Print edition only

  13. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    Fashioned from the crucible of Kinshasa’s recycle-reuse culture, this is a triumphant piece of alchemy
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Mbongwana Star: From Kinshasa

  • Download full album for just £4.49
  • 1. From Kinshasa to the Moon £0.99
  • 2. Shégué £0.99
  • 3. Nganshé £0.99
  • 4. Masobélé £0.99
  • 5. Coco Blues £0.99
  • 6. Malukayi (feat. Konono No. 1) £0.99
  • 7. Suzanna £0.99
  • 8. Kimpala £0.99
  • 9. Kala £0.99
  • 10. 1 million c'est quoi? £0.99
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