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Bossaphonik Presents Grupo Lokito
+ Kwassa Kwassa DJs
Presented by: Bossaphonik| 0 | OXFORD: Cowley Workers Social Club |
|---|---|
| P | Friday 16th February, 2024 |
| N | 8:00pm |
Event information
Bossaphonik takes place this February on Friday 16th and features the return appearance of the blistering Cuban-Congolese fusion act “Grupo Lokito.”
This band dazzled us back in 2016 when Bossaphonik was running at the Bullingdon, this time they are back as a large 10 ensemble line up! Grupo Lokito are an exuberant explosion of sound fusing contemporary Central African Congolese rumba and soukous with the fire of Afro-Cuban dance music creating a modern day cocktail of two of the great world musics. Since their formation back in 2006 the band have completed several UK tours and building a solid following. Their unique fusion is an irresistible groove which always inspires audiences to be up on their feet throughout.
The band are fronted by the glorious melodious vocals of Congolese vocalists Eugene Makuta and Iddo Donnatell with soaring guitarists courtesy of Kenyan rising star Shama Shah and Congolese legend Ladi Mbala. On keyboards is founding member Sara McGuinness who has played and studied music in Cuba with members of Buena Vista Social Club. All of this sits on top of the rhythmic powerhouse of drums, congas and bass and for this special occasion the band features the addition of a fiery horn section.
Grupo Lokito's repertoire is made up of entirely original material: the songs are stories of life ranging from love tales, reflections on the trials facing musicians trying to make a home away from home, the wisdom of the elders to the simple joy of dancing. The rich original material was reflected in the band being named “Tropical Act of The Year 2017” by the UK Lukas Awards.
“Bomoko is a highly accomplished album that gives a great indication of Grupo Lokito's live performance” Songlines Magazine April 2023
“The whole show was invigorating, blessed... great entertainers who engage the audience not just with their energetic music but also their personalities which shine from the stage. The dance moves mesmerising!” Nottingham Riverside Festival 2023
“This is the 4th time we have booked Grupo Lokito and the professionalism and performance were
world class” Focus Africa 10th Anniversary Show, July 2023
Check out the bands recently released LP Bomako on Bandcamp:
https://grupolokito.bandcamp.com/album/bomoko
Check out two live vids of Grupo Lokito:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKRPOaqkb7g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-suPO73DnE
Following Grupo Lokito is a Bossaphonik club session featuring guest DJs Kwassa Kwassa. Made up of Tom Hilton and Simon Starling – the pair celebrated 10 years of their superb tropical parties in Ox-ford last November. They have a breathtaking repertoire of vintage music from Africa, Latin Ameri-ca and the Caribbean, the dancefloor will be heated to sounds of -
Afrobeat * Highlife * Soukous * Funk * Soul * Reggae * Ska * Salsa * Cumbia * Calypso * Hip Hop * Bomba * Soca!!!
Friday 16th February
Bossaphonik Presents Grupo Lokito + Kwassa Kwassa DJs
Cowley Workers Social Club, Between Towns Road. OX4 3LZ (Near Templars Square Shopping Centre. Regular buses 1,5,10 from City Centre go up Cowley Road til 3am, stopping opposite the venue)
8pm–1:30am
Band starts at 9:30pm
See ya there!
Venue information
OXFORD: Cowley Workers Social Club| 0 | Between Towns Road Oxford OX4 3LZ |
|---|---|
| > | www.cowleyworkers.co.uk/ |
| ! | 01865 430 446 |
