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KONGOS to tour SA - not a jokeSay what you want about 5FM's playlist, but every once in a while they introduce you to some inspiring fresh talent. About 2-3 months ago KONGOS' "I'm Only Joking" made the grade and it's currently seeing good rotation on the station. Last Friday, 5 August 2011, the music video for the track premiered on 5FM's (TV)5 and shortly afterwards, the band confirmed their 2011/2012 South African tour - you'll find me front and centre for the Cape Town leg. ![]() After falling in love with the track, I looked the band up and discovered that they've been making music for quite some time now. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2007 and was well-received in Phoenix, Arizona - their current base where they now write, record and perform; they actually grew up in London and South Africa. After a good couple of listens to the rest of KONGOS music on SoundCloud, I'm ready to shower them with groupie love. Who are KONGOS?KONGOS are Johnny, Jesse, Dylan and Daniel Kongos - a band of brothers managed by their singer / songwriter father John Kongos. John Kongos, born and raised in Jozi, is well-known for his 1971 hit singles, "He's Gonna Step on You" and "Tokoloshe Man". Listening to these and a few more tracks from the industry veteran, the influence on KONGOS sound is pretty clear - they use a very similar formula in terms of sound; decades later, it still works. KONGOS use a combination of classic rock elements, African rhythms and Balkan beats to produce an eargasmic soundscape. They're currently working on a second album which I'm assuming will only be released in 2012. My favourite tracks from KONGOS so far are; "I'm Only Joking", "Make Your Mark", "This Time I won't Forget", "Nothing", "Curious" and "I've Been Here Before". Five of their latest tracks, including "I'm Only Joking", are available for free download when you sign up to their newsletter; and if love those, I suggest you get your hands on a copy of their debut album. Produced, directed, filmed and edited by KONGOS, check out the video for "I'm Only Joking": KONGOS are signed under Tokoloshe Records. KONGOS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KONGOS About Sindy Peters: Africa editorSindy Peters (@sindy_hullaba_lou) is a group editor at Bizcommunity.com on the Construction & Engineering, Energy & Mining, and Property portals. She can be reached at sindy@bizcommunity.com. View my profile and articles... |