Nell's welcomes... Kanda Bongo Man is one of the biggest stars in world music and one of the leading exponents of Africa, Kanda revolutionised the Congolese favourite music of soukous after parting with Orchestra Belle Mambo to take up a solo career in Paris in 1979.He is most famous for his structural changes he implemented to soukous music with mesmerizing guitar solos that gave birth to the famous” KWASA KWASA” DANCE

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Championed by John Peel and Andy Kershaw in the late 80s, Kanda played a key role in introducing African and world music to the mainstream. Now with a huge and loyal fan base, his music still receives regular airplay on stations including BBC Radio 3 and Radio 6 Music.

Grupo Lokito fuse contemporary Congolese and Cuban music creating a modern-day cocktail of two of the great world musics. Based in London, the band features top-class Congolese and Latin musicians. They have taken the UK by storm, wowing festivals and the club circuit alike with their blistering grooves and outlandish dance moves. 

In 2016 the band were awarded the UK Lukas Award "Tropical Act of the Year", leading to their acclaimed headline performance at the La Clave Festival 2017. The glorious melodious vocals of Congolese front men Eugene Makuta and Iddo Donnatella blend with soaring guitars courtesy of Congolese guitar hero Mbokalia, and the lilting keyboards of Latin piano player Sara. All of this sits on top of the rhythmic powerhouse team of Ernesto (drums), Emeris (Congas) and Elpidio (bass).