Loboko

Loboko:

Loboko are a new group featuring the young Congolese vocalist and guitar virtuoso, Yohni Djungu Sungu, alongside Soukous-Stars legend and master bassist Ngouma Lokito. The group is rounded out by drummer and co-founder Morgan Greenstreet (himself a contributor to Combo Lulo’s debut recording, amongst others). Rooted in a now ubiquitous guitar-driven sound of African soukous that have permeated the greater Caribbean music landscape for up to six decades, Loboko’s take on the ethnic Baluba rhythm, mutuashi, adorns the A-side of their debut single “Kanyunyi.” The B-side stand-out “Ekenge” draws from the seben style. It’s a familiar sound to those sound system aficionadas, an intoxicating guitar combination that has reverberated from the heart of the Congo, through a wave in France’s popular African music industry, and into the discerning selections of Colombia’s Pico culture. Loboko’s original take on these rhythms is quite unique, eschewing any modern production crutches for the raw pedigree of an electrified trio, and ultimately represents a clear window into the group’s authentic live performances.

venue is wheelchair accessible