DIBONDOKO

DIBONDOKO, originally a Cameroonian tradition celebrating a child's first participation in family life, in its modern sense means PARTY: a celebration where all are family, regardless of culture, race or social status. The band Dibondoko recreates this atmosphere, bringing all styles of music and people together, creating a good vibe and having fun! "Who better than Dibondoko to kick off this series dedicated to the marriage of world music and groove. Dibondoko is the sound of Montreals cultural diversity in motion" (Montreal Jazz Festival, 2005) DIBONDOKO's music is as diverse and versatile as its members and ranges from funk to hiphop to various African, Latin and Caribbean styles. Dibondoko is the deep and sensuous bass of Dylan Kell-Kirkman rolling out of Australia and New Zealand. It's the deep pocket of Pascal Racine-Venne on drums and Dominic Côté on percussion echoing the rhythms of Saguenay and Cuba. It's the sizzling and playful guitars of Cécile Doo-Kingué and Jordan Lerner-Ellis dancing through Cameroon and Russia via New York and Toronto. It's the soulful and powerful voice of Ramòn Cespedes invoking Haitian and Peruvian ancestors. It's the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Montreal reflected in each members bringing a distinct flavour to the mix, creating a unique and unforgettable sound. "Afrofunk fusion masters Dibondoko were one of the highlights of the Jazz fests outdoor stages this summer" (Jordan Zivitz, Montreal Gazette, July 2004.) DIBONDOKO's participation in both the International Montreal Jazz Festival's twenty-fifth anniversary edition (2004) and the 2005 edition consecrated the band's compositional and musicianship skills, placing them alongside the most respected musicians in the world! DIBONDOKO kicked off the 2003 & 2006 Festival International Nuits d'Afrique opening for the legendary Manu Dibango & Youssou N'Dour respectively. Dibondoko quickly established itself on the Montreal scene. They were the crowd favourites at the 2001, 2002 and 2003 Montreal Fringe Festivals and voted Hard Rock Café band of the year in 2001. DIBONDOKO has released two EPs, is featured on several CD compilations and has received airplay on both CBC and CHOM FM. Their debut album is set for release in September 2006. "Dibondoko is a unique Montreal experience... this band is a musical gold mine" (Ralph Boncy, Voir, Feb 2006)