Artist: Kiazi Malonga
Song: “Mfiawukiri”
Album: Zu Dia Ngoma (release TBD)
Label: Redtone Records
Genre: Congolese Drumming, Afropop
Since the age of six, Oakland-based Congolese drummer Kiazi Malonga has been deeply-rooted in drumming and dance. He joined his father’s Fua Dia Congo Performing Arts Company, beginning a lifetime of learning, performing and teaching. Last year, Malonga released the single “BATÉLA” earlier in the year, and in December dropped the jubilant second single “Mfiawukiri”.
Meaning “deeply indebted to you, from the heart”, the song is a tribute to all of the important people in Malonga’s life. The track bursts to life off of his feverish playing, with the drumming taking center stage, while a wiry afropop guitar line plays off it. Malonga’s vocals have an exuberant tone, while a backing chorus joins in a call-and-response.
It’s different than anything you’re going to be listening to right now, and a great way to launch our Check This 2024 Playlist!
The Indy Review 