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MySpace LayoutsNamed after a river, Kasai is a region in Congo which lies in the heart of the rain forest where many tribes such as the Baka still maintain their traditional lifestyles. The Maasai, just like the Baka, are another dignified tribe whose lives still centre around a nomadic existence.Based in London, Kasaï Masaï brings us the traditional sound of the most remote equatorial villages, with an Urban twist.The band plays ancestral music which has been passed on from generation to generation and is rooted in the healing power of percussion and chanting combined with the majestic sound of the Congolese folk guitar. The set becomes complete when joined, live, by a saxophone which brings a smooth jazzy delicacy and an MC to incorporate this essential Urban groves from Kinshasa.Soon, you will feel the music oozing through your veins, pumping a rhythmic African beat through your body. Hence, the audience find themselves on their feet, moving toward the dance floor on an uncontrollable shaking of their hips.Kasaï Masaï is a 5 piece outfit, consisting of d'jembe, guitar, saxophone, bass and drum. To add that extra exotic touch they are also joined occasionally by two female dancers!It is led by percussionist, singer and dancer, Voodoo King Nickens Nkoso.
Nickens is a well known figure in the world music circuit. He has worked alongside international Congolese artists, including Koffi Olomide, Papa Wemba, Kanda Bongoman, Mose Fan Fan, Samba Mapangala to name but a few.In the UK, he has been a member of Baboma Bands, Robert Maseko's Congo Beat & Koko Kanyinda's Soukous Koumbele for some years.As a result, he appeared at many festivals including Glastonbury, Womad (Reading, Grand Canary, Adelaide), Weltnacht Festival(Germany). He performed on Andy Kershaws World & New, Later with Jools Holand, John peel session, BBC3 World Music Day, Resonnance FM.
He also played at the African Nations Cup (Tunisia2004)"...Kasaï Masaï successfully marry a respect for vintage grooves with an overwhelming urge to move the dance floor. This is the sound of the old and the new, of the countryside and the city, from deep in the heart of Africa..." Nige Tassell - Reading Womad Festival.
