Photo: Press
Born and raised in Congo yet based in Montreal, Pierre Kwenders' sound reflects the fact he's lived in two vastly different cities on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Knowing he sings in five languages and impressed by his recent performances at Focus Wales and The Great Escape, we sought out to discover more about him by getting to know what music he's into the most - after all you can tell a lot about someone by their music taste.
Kwenders' below list is particularly fascinating and shows the sharp dressed frontman's interest in Papa Wemba, the unofficial leader of La Sape - a religion that worships fashion and is popular in Kinchassa, Congo, and extends to places with Congolese diaspora such as Brussels and Paris.
Another act that's particularly important to this singer is Sub Pop signed hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces as Zimbabwean American Tendai "Baba" Maraire from this group produced Kwenders’ forthcoming album. Maraire’s father is a world famous Mbira player and the multi-instrumentalist is an exciting collaborator for any up-coming musician – hats off to Kwenders for making that connection.
It's also fascinating to see the singer drawing outside of his own experiences and pick up on tunes that he's stumbled upon from being passionate about music, such as house-infused Calypso and a new wave of Congolese music that's blossomed since he's lived away from his country.
Listen through the list below to get an introductory picture of this rising stars taste before tuning into Pierre Kwenders' own fascinating back-catalogue which is infinitely fascianting and makes him one of the most exciting new acts in Canada.
Papa Wemba - Endena (Ufukutanu)
"The King of Congolese Rumba is taking on a journey. Starting the beat with a traditional sound then taking us to rumba."
M’bilia Bel - Mayaval
"She’s one the queens of Congolese rumba. One of few that represent women in music in Congo."
Shabbaz Palaces - Youlogy
"Simply Gods at what they do. I love them."
Koffi Olomide - Nyataquance (Koffi Trump)
"The latest single by Koffi Olimide. He’s been making us dance for long time now."
Tshala Muana - Tshibola
"This is one one of Muana's hits from way back in the day. She’s known for popularizing Mutuashi (Dance from Kasaï, DRC)."
Karizma - Work It Out
"House Funky Gospel vibe that makes me want to dance."
Weird Together, RemBunction, Dick Johnson - Going Back to Trinidad
"Calypso at its best. I love this mixture of house music and Caribbean music."
Jupiter & Okwess International - Magerita
"One of the leading lights in a new generation of Congolese bands. They bring together all sort of feelings in this track."
Pepe Kalle - Pon moun paka bouge
"The elephant of Congo, that’s his nickname. Soukous at its best."
La Jet Set - Hommage àDouk Saga
"Douk Saga was a pioneer in the Coupé Décalé Era and this is an hommage to his influence in that genre."
