Konono No.1's "Congotronics" album introduced the world to the strange and spectacular electro-traditional mixtures which are being concocted in the suburbs of Kinshasa, Congo. World music, electronica and avant-rock aficionados have all been equally amazed by this otherworldly music, which has driven the international press to come up with some surprising comparisons (from Can and Krautrock to Jimi Hendrix, Lee Perry and proto-techno!...).
The band was founded back in the 1960s by Mingiedi Mawangu, a virtuoso of the likembé (a traditional instrument sometimes called "sanza" or "thumb piano", consisting of ...
Konono No.1 founder Mingiedi Mawangu passed away
He was 85. He founded Konono No.1 in the 1960s and invented his own electrified likembe, which gave Konono No.1 its distinctive sound. He led the band and toured with them until a few years ago.
This is Mingiedi & Konono performing in Kinshasa, in the emblematic video from Konono No.1's "Congotronics" album.
We're very sad, here at Crammed. We're deeply grateful to Mingiedi for this music which inspired so many fans and artists around the globe. And we'll always remember his endearing personality. Our thoughts go to his son Augustin, to whom Mingiedi had entrusted the leadership of Konono No.1 several years ago, and to his family and the rest of the band.
