Baloji Kicks Off New York's African Music Summer

Baloji Kicks Off New York's African Music Summer
Text and photos by Banning Eyre

Anyone who caught this inspired, charismatic, genre-busting Congolese MC Baloji during his blizzard-challenged January swing through New York City knew that Central Park Summerstage was the place to be on Sunday, July 3. Once again, the weather was uncooperative--this time with muggy heat and rain showers. But Baloji and his 4-piece Congolese band (a keyboard was added to his guitar/bass/drums combo) once again delivered an exhilarating set, and showed a unique ability to reinvent African traditions in a savvy, club-ready context.

In a nod to Congo pop's tradition of stylishness, Baloji kept on his blue plaid jacket for the first few numbers, which including his brilliant reworking of the 1960 classic "Independence Cha Cha." Guitarist Dizzy Mandjeku--a veteran of Franco's TPOK Jazz, and a legend in his own right--provided tasty riffs throughout. Indeed the set was long on roots grooves, and light on anything at all like mainstream hip hop. It was Baloji's baritone rapping, unpredictable stage moves, and edgy charisma that kept things fresh and contemporary. Sometime before the song "Karibu Ya Bintu," which Baloji recorded with members of Konono No 1 and later turned into one of the most arresting African pop videos ever made, the jacket came off, and Baloji sweated along with the rest of us. He collected Dizzy's jacket as well and gave the crowd a sly smile as he handed them off to a stage hand.