Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound

by Kasai Allstars

Overview

Congolese collective Kasai Allstars were introduced to the world through their inclusion on 2005's Congotronics 2 compilation, and their music has been remixed by numerous electronic producers, including RAMZi, Daedelus, and Shackleton. On the group's fourth album, Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound, they incorporate electronic beats and synths into their vibrant compositions, adding an extra dose of kinetic energy to their usual arrangements for guitars, percussion (including an instrument with a very distinctive spring-like thwang), and group harmonies. For the most part, the programmed beats mesh with the instruments and vocals without sounding forced. "Olooh, a War Dance for Peace" is fittingly easygoing, with comforting vocals and gentle guitars, yet the polyrhythmic drum patterns are more detailed than one might realize at first. "Musungu Elongo Paints His Face White to Scare Small Children" is a definite highlight, starting out with pumping dance beats, call-and-response vocals, and blazing guitars, then switching up to a faster, more jumping rhythm and sounding more electric and energized overall. The bright, festive "Baba Bende" is another prime example of the group's gift for arranging complex rhythms that are easily danceable. Drawn from myths and proverbs, the album's lyrics illustrate themes of unity and empowerment -- the group itself consists of members of five bands from the Kasai region, all originating from different ethnic groups with separate traditions and languages. As ever, the band's music finds common ground in varying styles and coheres into a singular whole, coming together with a purpose to uplift and celebrate. ~ Paul Simpson

Product Details

Release Date:	07/30/2021
Label:	CRAMMED DISC US
UPC:	0876623008231

Tracks

1. Kasai Munene
2. Olooh, a War Dance for Peace
3. Musungu Elongo Paints His Face White to Scare Small Children
4. Like a Dry Leaf on a Tree
5. The Large Bird, the Woman and the Baby
6. Baba Bende
7. The Ecstasy of Singing
8. Hunters and Farmers Need the Blacksmith
9. Betrayal by Gossip
10. Unity Is Strength
11. Allstars All Around

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Kasai Allstars   Primary Artist
Pedro Mukenge   Drums
Papy Atuke   Synthesizer
Mi Amor   Vocals
Mandateur   Likembe,Vocals
Kayumbi Tshali   Vocals (Background)
Kabongo   Vocals
Bijou   Vocals
Tandjolo Yatshi   Lokole,Vocals
Muambuyi   Vocals
Kabongo Tshisense   Vocals,Likembe
Baila Tshilumba   Vocals,Xylophone
Mokonkole Diesel   Drums
Mopero Mupemba   Guitar,Vocals
Mputi "Mi Amor" Ebondo   Vocals
Ngoyi Nkishi   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Ntumba "Muambuyi" Ngalula   Vocals

Technical Credits

Papy Atuke   Rhythm Programming,Programming,Engineer
Kasai Allstars   Arranger
Mi Amor   Composer
Kabongo   Composer
Silvia Baldan   Artwork
Gregory Bauchau   Mixing
Tandjolo Yatshi   Composer
Vincent Kenis   Mixing,Photography
Jean-Pierre Chalbos   Mastering
Muambuyi   Composer
Baila Tshilumba   Composer
Benoit Van Maele   Photography
Mopero Mupemba   Composer,Producer,Programming,Rhythm Programming