Disco Boutiq is a new series of events that will mainly focus on promoting a wide variety of old and new African dance music through Live and DJ acts. Their events aim to feature artists and music that we rarely get a chance to hear and see through our usual mainstream channels.
There was a suitably sized audience present at the Alchemist, the wintry July winds did nothing to deter them from the event. Up & comer Monroe Marcus was the first to open things up with the grooviest East African tunes from the 60’s to 80’s, with a touch of funk from all around the continent. His funky and eclectic mix got the blood pumping, and when blasted from the sound-system definitely got more people interested in what was going on inside.
Known for his jazzy sets and event productions, Zelalem took the stage shortly after Monroe, and for the entire duration of his set it was rare to see anyone not on their feet!
Up next was the Disco Vumbi set. As the name suggests, ´Disco Dust´ involves a lot of heavy dancing. Alai k - the instrumentalist, singer songwriter and producer behind the distinct style, calls it Vumbi music. It’s a fresh and unique form of original Kenyan dance music with inspiration from coastal music that refers to the former street disco-esque way of enjoying music. Alai K took to the stage, accompanied by a live band and vigorous dancers who added a genuine vibrancy and texture to the overall sound with traditional wear and intense dancing.
Finally it was time for the main act. Batida is a distinctly modern and vibrant project with its feet firmly rooted in the past and is the brainchild of Angolan/ Portuguese Pedro Coquenão. Batida is not a group but a culmination of Pedro’s creativity - his favourite elements (beats, bass, vocals, percussion, dances and video) represented by artists that he admires.
He thrilled audience members by mixing electronica with samples from the 60s and 70s Angolan music. He opened his set with the mechanized stomp song called Bazooka and kept it going with a selection of hits from his self-titled album. Music is the constant starting point in all of Batida’s songs, but through dance, poetry, photography and video, he expanded his set, taking in politics and social commentary but still keeping the party going.
The event was brought to you by Goethe Institut, Lusophone Film Fest, & The Alchemist. We can’t wait to see what next they have in store for us!
Pictures: Wendy Kirorei
Video: John Martin
