Peter Ingolo "Le Monde de la musique"
A New wave of African music has hit the music scene. Introducing the style now referred to as Tri-cultural-Pop is Congolese musician Nkossi Konda.
Mr. Konda says the style incorporates both reggae, Congolese rumba, Soul and Funk. The style had previously been experimented with by World famous musician Papa Wemba of Viva La Musica whose songs have been incorporating a little bit of Rock, Funk & Salsa. Apart from his home Country, Nkossi has been performing in the New York night spots where he switches from Lingala to English and back again effortlessly. Nkossi went with his Diplomat father who was then working for the United Nations Development Program in the US at a tender age. Nkossi says: "...My father was a member of the Salvation Army church choir where they sung songs in harmony... I have been singing for as long as I can remember." His younger brother "Sir" Francis later became the lead singer of "Indaba" a US based group.
"My first song: She makes me feel was a typical pop song with inspired by the likes of the late Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Papa Wemba among other influences." He says. Deeply rooted in the African style of music, he rates Zaiko Langa Langa as a most inspiring group among upcoming artistes. "They always seem to come up with something and to crown it all, many Stars have been members of the group at one point or another." He adds. Past releases Adiyoyoyo Mona Lisa, Overall impression: Omelysa and Pretty Mama are among songs that are well defined with percussion, Saxophones and sweet melodies. Congolese guitar elements are evident in some of the numbers complete with Nkossi's multiple vocals and soulful responses reminiscent of South Africa's Black Mambazo. Another notable hit is the track Tambula malembe (which means Proceed with caution) from his new Album "Vision of Africa-pella" soon to be released.
Nkossi which means "Lion" in Kikongo formed his group "Peace of Mind" in New York as a studio project in order to experiment with new sounds- a fusion between Afro beat and Western pop music. The Studio band is comprised of seasoned "World" musicians who hold the Spirit of music as their Universal common language.