Kanda Bongo Man is one the most famous exponents of Soukous music from the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been at the heart of the Parisian scene since the 80's. He is the man who gave the world Kwassa Kwassa, the infectious Congolese dance style. Kanda's rise in popularity came with the album Iyole which became a number one hit all over the world. He has created a winning formula that has sold millions of albums worldwide, Amour Fou, Iyole, Kwassa Kwassa and Live in Central Park. Kanda Bongo Man’s eight piece band create a tub-thumping all-consuming groove, mesmerizing guitar work and gorgeous close harmony vocals, an exciting and fast moving show of music and dance. Soukous is known for its shimmering dual guitar parts, which produce an intensity that is hypnotic on the dance floor.

Permanence, stability and continuity are very rare commodities Congo/ Zaire/Democratic Republic of Congo,  it all leaves people very little to cling onto, let alone dance about. That's why it is so good to have the chance to dance to Kanda Bongo Man, who is one of the all time greats of central African dance music, standing alongside Madilu, Papa Wemba and Franco. He earned his nickname from his drummer grandfather, his 1981 album 'Iloye' topped charts all over Africa and he went to release a string of classics on the Hannibal label, including 'Amour Fou' and 'Kwassa Kwassa', the later named after a hip-grinding dance that Kanda Bongo Man invented. It is reassuring and heartening to see that Kanda Bongo Man is still strutting his stuff with his hi-octane unleaded soukous after a career spanning more than a quarter of a century, with his super guitarists and  dancers.

DJ Shanna will keep the dancing going till past midnight.

Tickets £12 /£10 members from Span Arts 01834 869323 doors open 8pm Band on 9.30pm

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