World Music Network's Introducing imprint is off to an impressive start. This is the label's seventh release and it's another keeper. Kenge Kenge is an eight piece ensemble from Kenya who have performed a bit of a reverse engineering job on Kenya's guitar-driven benga pop and re-emphasized benga's roots in the folk music of the Luo people. In particular they replace guitar with traditional acoustic instruments, such as the orutu (one-stringed fiddle) and nyangile (gong), at the centre of their sound. A bit rough and ready, and possessing a dedication to find a groove and stay in it, Kenge Kenge are finding favourable comparison with the DRC's Konono No. 1. What the hell, if it helps them find even a slice of the crossover success enjoyed by Konono I'm happy to encourage the association.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Kenge Kenge - Introducing Kenge Kenge (World Music Network)
World Music Network's Introducing imprint is off to an impressive start. This is the label's seventh release and it's another keeper. Kenge Kenge is an eight piece ensemble from Kenya who have performed a bit of a reverse engineering job on Kenya's guitar-driven benga pop and re-emphasized benga's roots in the folk music of the Luo people. In particular they replace guitar with traditional acoustic instruments, such as the orutu (one-stringed fiddle) and nyangile (gong), at the centre of their sound. A bit rough and ready, and possessing a dedication to find a groove and stay in it, Kenge Kenge are finding favourable comparison with the DRC's Konono No. 1. What the hell, if it helps them find even a slice of the crossover success enjoyed by Konono I'm happy to encourage the association.
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