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Nkossi Konda - Artist
Profile
 | AfricaSounds recently had the pleasure
of encountering Nkossi Konda at the bi-weekly "New Africa
Tuesdays" fete, which takes place at the Greenwich Village Lion's
Den. Nkossi, who is an original in the truest musical sense, tore up
the club with his unique style of music which he refers to as
"Tri-Cultural Pop." Regardless of what it may be called,
there was something completely unique about Nkossi's spicy mix of Funk,
Congolese Rumba, Soul, Reggae and Pop. |
As AfricaSounds specializes in music
from Central Africa, particularly Congolese Rumba and all its offshoots (Soukous,
N'dombolo and countless other dance styles), it was exciting and refreshing to
encounter such a new sound in the Diaspora with one foot strongly rooted in
the Congo. By both speaking to Nkossi, and referring to his website (www.freedomzone.com),
we were able to get some insight into his history. Originally from the
Democratic Republic of Congo (previously Zaire), Nkossi has been living in the
US for roughly 26 years. Consistently performing at various New York
nightclubs and jazz spots, including Nell's and Zinc Bar, Nkossi has begun to
make quite a name for himself in the Big Apple. The exciting news is
that Nkossi has been one of the first artists signed to the new and upcoming
Niger Records label, founded by Harry Belefonte in collaboration with Chris
Blackwell of Palm Pictures. Nkossi is currently working on his debut
Niger Records release, which will be entitled "Africa
Original," and is set for
release in early 2001.
Equally good news, however, is that one
does not have to wait in order to listen to Nkossi Konda's "Tri-Cultural
Pop". Currently, an album entitled "Adiyoyoyo
(Mona Lisa)" is available
from Freedom Zone
(www.freedomzone.com). A
portion of this album was originally released on Tabilulu Records under the
same name, although this revised version it also includes three previously
unreleased tracks for a total of nine songs. Three of the songs, each of
which could stand alone as a single, are available for a sample listening at
Freedom Zone's website, and the entire CD can also be ordered from
there.
| The following is AfricaSounds
review of the Adiyoyoyo (Mona Lisa) album: |
| Overall Impression:
It is refreshing
to hear Nkossi Konda taking the music in an entirely new direction.
First of all, he is an excellent lyricist, particularly in many songs
focusing on the theme of love. Second, his use of multiple languages
actually works (we can cite several ill-fated attempts of other artists to
mix Lingala and English into one song). A third, this is a progressive
album, with roots in several music styles striving for an entirely new
sound. We must applaud Nkossi Konda's efforts. If you like your
music original, with lots of soul and funk, in a mix that is somewhat hard
to define, then this is an album that you should probably check out. |
| 1. Omelysa:
The trio of percussion, guitar and vocals stands out on this track.
Nkossi Konda switches effortlessly from English to Lingala and back again,
in several very effective transitions. You don't see this happening
too much in music, so it's a treat. |
| 2. My World:
Funk at the forefront, with an underlying root of Congolese style guitar
underpinning the music. The addition of a harmonica and sparse
elements of rap reflect an expertise in the art of musical
fusion. |
| 3. Pretty Mama: This
track is a definite winner. Perhaps the pick of the album,
particularly due to the very strong start and funky, staccato guitar
groove. This song represents the funkier side of Nkossi Konda's
music... strong soul undercurrents and excellent percussion and saxophone.
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| 4. Can't Complain:
Another excellent track which highlights Nkossi Konda's strength as a
vocalist and composer. The flame of love is burning in these
lyrics. A feel-good melody, and another good choice for a single. |
| 5. Adiyoyoyo (Mona Lisa):
The title track, with a rich guitar and percussion grove throughout.
If its hard to classify his music, in this case it's definitely a positive.
The Congolese guitar elements certainly shine through on this number. |
| 6. Matters of Heart: Male
vocals reminiscent of Ladysmith Black Mambazo compete with Nkossi's soulful
vocal response. He has developed his own singing style which is well
evident here. A short track that could be fit as a follow-up
reflection to Simon's "Graceland" album. |
| 7. Touch Me Now:
A piano and guitar ballad, profound lyrics and a nice reverb on Nkossi's
vocals. Longing, heartfelt vocals. |
| 8. Now I Know:
Sythn organ, Senegalese drums and sax combine to declare "now I know
why I love you..." |
| 9. I Belong to You:
Stronger than pop but very accessible.
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