Mbongwana Star is a vibrant new band from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Mbongwana Star (‘Mbongwana’ means ‘change’) are fusing traditional Congolese musical motifs with electronics and rock, while  paying homage to life in their Congo towns.  Or “making magic out garbage” says producer and band member Doctor L.  In so doing, they are forging a new world-music sound.

Mbongwana Star includes the wheelchaired Coco Ngambali and Theo Nsituvuidi.  Comparative elders Ngambali and Nsituvuidi drafted younger local musicians to staff their mission.

To get a feel for Mbongwana Star, check out the phenomenal official video for track Mulakayi, as directed by Liam Farrell and filmed by Renaud Barrett.  The video and song are both driving, high-production pieces featuring mesmerizing music that soothes while it gets under your skin rhythmically (like an MRI).  Check out the omnipresent rhythmic and percussive movements and the perfectly-effected, fourth world ghost-vocals that seem to emanate from an offshore ham radio.

Afterwards, check out a couple other vignettes of the band, including the live performance of Nganshé, replete with young (and old) dancers.  Great, enlivening stuff from this Congolese ensemble.