Staff Benda Bilili
T1849552789
Staff Benda Bilili are like nothing you have ever seen or heard before. Their name translates as "look beyond the appearances" or literally to "put forward what is hidden." They make music of astonishing power and beauty. The mesmerising rumba-rooted grooves, overlaid with vibrant vocals, remind you at times of Cuban nonchalance, at other times of the Godfather of Soul himself. The band's core members are disabled street-musicians, who drive custom-built motorised tricycles, and live in the grounds of Kinshasa Zoo in the Congo. They are backed by a younger, all acoustic rhythm section pounding out tight beats. Over the top of this are infectious guitar-like solos performed by a 17 year-old prodigy on a one-string electric lute he designed and built himself out of a tin can.
Archive :: production:T1849552789, concert:S890101348, venue:V156
Production details
Supported by Arts Council England
This event takes place at Butterworth Hall
