(crammed discs, kinshasa)

KONONO NO. 1's debut album introduced the world to the strange and spectacular electro-traditional mixtures which are being concocted in the suburbs of KINSHASA. world music, electronica and avant-rock aficionados have all been equally amazed by these otherworldly sounds. the group was originally founded back in the 1960s by MINGIEDI, a virtuoso of the LIKEMBÉ (a traditional instrument sometimes called "thumb piano", consisting of metal rods attached to a resonator).

the band's line-up includes three heavily amplified electric LIKEMBÉS, equipped with hand-made microphones built from magnets salvaged from old car parts, and plugged into amplifiers. KONONO NO. 1's rhythm section uses traditional as well as makeshift percussion (pans, pots and car parts) and a sound system featuring these famous megaphones. after their fantastic spring 2011 tour they are back for more hypnotic live action.