OK here’s the story – Staff Benda Bilili are a group of Congolese street musicians. They live around the grounds of the zoo in Kinshasa, and play music which is rooted in rumba, with elements of old-school rhythm’n'blues and reggae. The core of the band consists of four senior singers/guitarist, who are all disabled (they suffered from poliomyelitis when they were young) and move around in spectacularly customized tricycles. They are backed by a younger rhythm section consisting of ex-sheges, abandoned street kids who were taken under the protection of the older members of the band. The soloist is an 18 year-old boy who plays astounding electric guitar-like solos on a one-stringed lute he designed and built himself out of a tin can (Wikipedia).
What more can I say… apart from the music being mesmerizing, simplistic, genius-like and merits being my album of the year not because of the story but because of the music and the passion and the joy that can be heard from the songs on the album. Please, if you only buy one album I recommend – buy this one.
This was the highlight of the January mix for me so had to stop in and agree with all of the above plus a thank you for including three (three!) tracks to keep me going until the cd arrives.
Welcome Liefste zus – glad you enjoyed
Interesting choice Mr LD though I do like the 3 songs on the mix do you know if you can buy here
It’s arrived! And is every bit as good as you promised, big thanks dear brother.
welcome
Hi Sinny – not sure if you can buy here, I bought mine when in UK last year though it is available on Amazon – buy and enjoy.