Kabunga

Kabunga is a project of the Malian artist Zonatan Dembele, bass player of various internationally renowned artists including Rokia Traoré. From 2015 he plays with Kabunga in Mali and Belgium surrounding himself with professional musicians from all over the world.

Kabunga submerges you in the ancient musical tradition of the Bwa people living in Mali and Burkina Faso. Source of inspiration are the traditional Deni rhythms played at the end of the harvest season when people come together to relax, sing and dance. Kabunga blends the authentic Bwa music with other African rhythms, jazz and blues into an interesting tradi-modern sound.

Kabunga’s music grooves like Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat. Core of the sound are the originally used an’an and dumanu drums, completed with Malian and Western instruments - ngoni, tama, balafon, drums, bass, guitar and sax. True to the Bwa tradition, Kabunga’s repertoire is a vibrant celebration of life, that alternates up-tempo catchy tunes with more quiet, subdued songs.

“Their music is uplifting and original, almost like highlife. Blistering guitar lines remind you of the likes of Lobi Traore, while the vocals soar and have a nice vibe, almost like psychedelic music of a bygone era. One of the most promising and authentic bands, we have heard for years.” (Spot on Mali Music)