released: july 5, 2024

genre: electronic

from: kinshasa, democratic republic of the congo

label: transgressive records

a few thoughts: i was fully immersed into kokoko!’s world last year at end of the road festival in dorset, uk. performing on one of the smaller stages in the forest, the drc electronic outfit brought this crazy, hypnotic and frantic performance that to this day remains one of my favourite live music discoveries in recent years. with influences ranging from singeli and other electronic music subgenres from the african continent, the group brings such an engaging and frantic sound, something they have perfected on their second studio album butu. the 12-track project features some incredible moments, with synth-heavy compositions by from producers xavier thomas, aka débruit, tribal chanting from makara bianco and heavy drumming throughout. the eerie, harsh and eclectic energy on “butu ezo ya” sets the tone for the rest of the album, with heavy, menacing synth leads that build alongside the tribal drumming throughout, and the emphatic chanting. “donne moi” has this infectious afrobeat groove with guitar leads and a tribal energy that represents the energy of the streets of kinshasa perfectly. it makes me want to go visit and experience the sonic energy and landscapes of the city. the upbeat and fun energy of “mokili” is a definite highlight, with an incredibly engaging energy to it that builds and builds throughout, while the menacing synths of “kidoka” are vibrant, while the menacing tones of both “motoki” and “telema” make them riveting moments on the album. the electronic grooves of “elingi biso te”, combined with the infectious drumming make it a highlight on the album for me, while “salaka bien” closes the album out with a menacing, urgent composition, brought by dark and dominant synths and drumming throughout, tribal chanting and continuous grooves. butu is an excellent album, highlighting kokoko!’s talents as composers and ambassadors for congolese music and culture.

the album: