published: 23 /
4 /
2009
Label:
Crammed Discs
Format: CD
Surprisingly uplifting and funky debut album from Staff Benda Bilili, who are a group of Congo-based paraplegic street musicians
Review
Staff Benda Bilili are a group of paraplegic street musicians who live in and around the grounds of the zoo in Kinshasa, Congo. There are four main singer/guitarists with an all acoustic rhythm section and a 17 year-old who performs guitar-like solos on a single stringed lute he made out of a tin can. The band have been taken up by the broad sheet papers here in the UK and by music luminaries such as Damon Albarn and Massive Attack. A film of their story is due to be made, and they are coming to Europe to tour.
This music is mainly funky, with a Spanish sound and the lyrics are in Lingala, the local language, which appears to have its roots in French. The lyrics are mainly social commentary and stories of every day life, but as I can't speak Lingala I'll have to take their record company's word for that. They may be singing about something quite depressing but the sound is totally uplifting and enjoyable. Given that the songs were recorded out in the open, the quality is excellent and a tribute to the artists and those doing the recording.
Track Listing:-
1
Moto Moindo
2
Poliomyelite
3
Je t'aime
4
Sala Keba
5
Moziki
6
Sala Mosala
7
Avramandole
8
Tonkara
9
Marguerite
10
Staff Benda Bilili
11
Mwana
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/Staff-Benda-B
http://www.staffbendabilili.com/
Label Links:-
http://www.crammed.be/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crammed
https://twitter.com/CrammedDiscs
https://www.youtube.com/user/CrammedDi
https://plus.google.com/+CrammedDiscs
https://crammed.greedbag.com/