From the Brussels-based record label that brought the innovative and “hypnotique” sounds of Konono No 1 to the world stage comes another Congolese sensation with a great back story.
Staff Bendi Bililli are a high energy group of paraplegic street musicians who were stumbled upon by Crammed records near a zoo in Kinshasa, DRC. Cruising the streets in inprovised (and some motorized) bicycle contraptions, the band plays a rollicking mix of Rumba, Afro-pop and blues. They’re currently touring Europe, with dates in Zurich, Bern and Paris.
The band’s first record, Tres Tres Forte, features the high pitched twang of a guitar improvised by a teenaged street kid, whose musical chops are fostered by the older members of the group. The record rested near the top of many an African music reviewer, including the one at Afropop.
Check out the documentary preview below, the film is sure to catapult Staff Benda to worldwide acclaim, a la Buena Vista Social Club.
