Premiere: KOKOKO! ‘Likolo (TLC Fam Remix)’
Durban collective TLC Fam deliver a psychedelic gqom remix of Kinshasa-based outfit KOKOKO!’s exuberant ‘Likolo’...
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo’s KOKOKO! made a lasting impression last year with the release of their debut EPs ‘Tokoliana / L.O.V.E.’ and ‘Tongos'a / Likolo’.
Fusing traditional folk rhythms, folkloric themes and vocal techniques with contemporary instrumentation and electronics the outfit have – like fellow Kinshasa group Mbongwana Star – confronted contemporary issues that exist for young people in the city, from political turmoil and money to sex and survival .
The band – who formed when hen production company La Belle Kinoise and Debruit visited Kinshasa to collaborate artists in the city – rose to prominence when La Belle Kinoise project film reached over 3 million views online.
Now, ahead of the release of their new single ‘Azo Toke’ on 6th July and an extensive tour that will see them playing across Europe and the UK this summer, they have also announced a series of remixes of tracks from their previous EPs.
‘Likolo’ has been given the remix treatment by yet another sizeable, exciting and fast-emerging collective from Durban, South Africa, TLC Fam. The 23-piece collective recently became part of local label Gqom Oh!, having initially formed in 2011 in the the township of Newlands West.
Taking the zeal and groove of the original cut and bringing their unique, psychedelic gqom flair to the fore, TLC Fam’s remix is one to dizzy dancefloors and to linger in the head long after it’s finished playing. You can hear it below.
Keep an ear out for KOKOKO!’s new single next month and for new work on the horizon from TLC Fam.
Pre-order the remix EP here.
Check out KOKOKO!’s European and UK tour dates here.
