Ntali Jazz: From the Kongo Kingdom to Congo Square
Kiazi Malonga | Oakland | Congo Brazzaville
I joined Bakanal to expand my artistic experience beyond stage performance and instruction. I was interested in connecting with artistic minds to help my vision and artistic expression evolve. I am a Congolese percussionist that plays a number of instruments that come from the Kongo Kingdom (present day Congo Brazzaville, Congo, Kinshasa and Angola). Ntali Jazz describes the true essence of my experience as an African in America; addressing the struggle for acceptance while existing in a foreign nation. This project argues that true acceptance should come first in acknowledging our African heritage. Drawing upon these connections as well as creating, sharing and playing traditional music is truly inspiring. The fact that cultural elements like the Kongo horn culture is still very prominent in the African American community speaks to the true resilience of blacks in New Orleans and in the diaspora more generally. I want my audience to know that regardless of the time that has (and will) pass, Africa’s connection to her children in the diaspora will remain strong whether it's intentional or not. As long as knowledge of this lineage is weak, the African American experience will continue to reflect a perpetual feeling of not belonging.
Production Credits & Technical Details
Audio recorded @Red Tone Studios
Music engineer: Justin Phipps
Music composed by Kiazi Malonga
Horns Played by Ntali Jazz Collective
Traditional Horns and percussion including Ngoma, Nsakala played by Kiazi Malonga
about the artist
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