Phelimuncasi, Chouk Bwa, and DJ Lithium form a sonic triptych that will vibrationally diagram the shadows and spectres of a profound tellurian pattern. Connecting thru distinct, yet time-honoured vocal and drumming traditions, this fresh union of phenomenal contrasts is apt to reconfigure expected social practice.

Phelimuncasi formed in 2012 in the Mlaszi township of Durban South Africa as a trio of Gqom vocalists comprised of twins Makan Nana and Khera and Malathon. Their music is definitely enchanting and potent, richly imbued with an immense storytelling tradition that harks back to southern African toyi-toyi: a powerful dance of protest and struggle accompanied by rhythmic singing that was used during anti-apartheid demonstration to intimidate police and security forces.

Chouk Bwa (formerly Chouk Bwa Libète) is a Haitian band of Mizik Rasin (roots music) that develops their sound through call and response styles originating in Haitian Vodou. Exploring these traditional percussion and voice techniques, the ensemble brings a unique rhythm science and spirituality. In 2016, Chouk Bwa meet the duo The Ångströmers and begin to collaborate on a project that brings a deep dub sensitivity to their Caribbean soundscape. Modular synths and other vintage electronic instruments bring another dimension to Chouk Bwa‘s music, although it is always the band’s groove and fluent tempo that leads the energy of the ensemble: no laptops, nor drum machines. There are certain freedoms that can never be coerced. Even more, the electronic instruments are wired directly to the drums that feed them with impulses and velocities. All the Vodou families are there with their many rhythms and songs in Chouk Bwa & The Ångströmers. Radical roots of urban public Vodou.

Lithium closes out the evening and his CCB Carte Blanche with a special selection of music. – Lendl Barcelos