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"KONGOisms...Sons of the River" is a benefit concert featuring the music of two very talented Congolese artists, Kevin Mfinka (direct from Paris) and Jacques Ibula (beloved SF Bay Resident). From opposite sides of the majestic River Congo, Mfinka and Ibula bring songs of a shared lineage of struggle, triumph and most of all hope.
Presented by Fua Dia Congo performing arts company in partnership with Tulamuisi Productions, Congo Bolingo, Congo SQ West and Cultural Arts of Gold, this exciting event is part of a worldwide observation of the 5th Annual Breaking the Silence Congo Week (October 14-20, 2012). This week is dedicated to raising awareness about the human rights crisis in the Congo.
"Kongoisms...Sons of the River" features an evening rich in soulful music and empowering messages and is the culminating event in Fua Dia Congo's week long event entitled KONGOisms: Art.Awareness.Action. A rare meeting of Congolese artistry and activism, this exciting performance seeks to do away with the world's overwhelming sense of apathy for the suffering of Congolese people and to strip the veil that prevents us from seeing beyond the tragedy to the beauty and resilience of Congolese people. Equally important, Kongoisms is intended to inform individuals on how to get involved in supporting the crisis in the Congo and to empower themselves to take action.
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ABOUT THE ARTISTS
KEVIN MFINKA
Born in Congo (Brazzaville) in 1973, Kevin developed a passion for music early on. At the age of seven, he began playing the Ngoma (Congolese drum) with music and dance ensembles in his neighborhood (Moziki). A gifted dancer as well, Kevin joined the Congolese National Dance Company in 1991, and toured the world as a percussionist with internationally renowned musical group Les Tambours de Brazza before settling in Paris. It was in France that his passion for music was truly ignited, as he began to explore a long hidden talent for composing songs to the sound of his likembe (kalimba). This initial inspiration led him to develop a unique sound and to record three studio albums (Congo Drums (2002), Mbemba (2006) and Congo Bolingo (2011), all of which reflect the musical traditions and various instruments of his native Congo along with other elements and styles gathered throughout his world travels. Kevin's distinctive sound is at the very heart of Africa Walla, the band he formed in 2003, whose repertoire is a subtle blend of traditional and modern instruments, acoustic and electric sounds, ballads and acapella vocal arrangements and soulful and powerful lyrics. For more info on Kevin, please visit: http://kevinmfinka.free.fr
JACQUES IBULA
As a boy growing up in Congo (Kinshasa), Jacques would frequently venture into the villages of the countryside, where he would join with other youths in impromptu musical ensembles. Playing drums made from rubber inner-tubes and empty cans, the boys would join in with vocals to create unique harmonies. It was through these boyhood experiences that Jacques developed an appreciation for the liberating experience of mixing diverse musical ingredients to create an entirely new voice. Drawing musical influences from Ben Harper, the Dave Matthews Band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jack Johnson, as well as from his native Congo, his style is a blend of African tradition, blues, pop and rock with a strong message of faith and social consciousness. Jacques creates music as an instrument of his faith. He writes songs that are stories to remind us where we have come from and where we are going. For more info on Jacques, please visit: http://jacquesibula.com
Proceeds will benefit FONDATION EBINA, a foundation based in Brazzaville, Congo that provides support in the areas Health, Education, Children, Clean Water, Poverty Relief, and CROISADE NATIONAL DREPANOCYTOSE, a small clinic based in Kinshasa, Congo (DR) specializing in Sickle Cell treatment.
For a complete listing of Fua Dia Congo's Congo Week events or for information on our programming, please visit www.congolesecamp.org or call us at (510) 629-9FUA.
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LocationThe New Parish
579 18th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
United States
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| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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