KOKOKO! Release Debut Album ‘Fongola’

Congolese DIY band KOKOKO! have released their debut album Fongola via Transgressive / Royal Mountain (Canada). Stream Here!

KOKOKO! is a DIY collective pioneering an inspiring alternative music scene from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The band represent the antithesis of tradition, and their upcoming debut album Fongola – which translates to ‘the key’ – is an anarchic, youthful journey smashing a new path through modern life in Africa’s third most populous city. KOKOKO!’s electronic, psychedelic sound comes from their self-constructed string instruments and percussive inventions that are made from recycled scrap material.

The band was born in Kinshasa when French electronic artist Débruit was in town working on a film soundtrack and came across local musician Makara Bianko. They clicked immediately and threw an impromptu block party, where they connected with Boms Bomolo, Dido Oweke, Love Lokombe, and Bovic Mwepu (who has since passed away). They became the founding members of KOKOKO!

KOKOKO! made quite the splash at SXSW 2019, gaining praise from NPR, Noisey, Red Bull, Austin Chronicle, and more. Dressed in yellow hazmat suits, KOKOKO! are known for their vibrant live shows – filled with dancing, crowd participation, and a vivacious energy that starts with a shout from Makara’s megaphone. The band will be heading out on a US tour starting September 20th, all tour dates listed below!

20 Sep – Cedar Cultural Centre, Minneapolis
24 Sep – Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto
25 Sep – Pop Montreal, Montreal
27 Sep – Deluxx Fluxx, Detroit
28 Sep – Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, Bloomington
2 Oct – Rock N Roll Hotel, Washington DC
3 Oct – Boot & Saddle, Philadelphia
4 Oct – Le Poisson Rouge, New York City
5 Oct – BU Global Music Festival, Boston
8 Oct – The Echo, Los Angeles
9 Oct – New Parish, Oakland
11 Oct – Jack London, Portland
12 Oct – Barboza, Seattle