Pierre Kwenders, spokesman of modern Africa, humbly shares his rich cultural heritage through his music.
After putting out two EP last year, he will release his first full length album Le Dernier Empereur Bantou via Bonsound on Octobre 14th. Don't miss his launch show at the PHI Centre in Montreal on the same day.
Watch the album teaser and listen to the new song Mardi Gras. You can also pre-order the album on bandcamp and on iTunes.
With his progressive music coloured with Congolese rumba and Afro-electro beats, the singer explores an innovative path, adding a new flavour (reminiscent of the works of Kwabs and Buruka Som Sistema) to his repertoire. Le Dernier Empereur Bantou is an ultimate cry of joy, using Cajun rhythms (Mardi Gras), mythical characters (Popolipo), and childhood musings and reminiscence (Ani Kuni). Pierre Kwenders also includes a few nods to his own musical background; African signers such as Johnny Clegg as well as music from the 80’s.
Le Dernier Empereur Bantou is a collective project of which I am simply the ambassador, and not the conductor, explains Pierre Kwenders. With this album, I evoke unity and authenticity. -P.K.
Chosen as one of Radio-Canada's 2014-2015 Révélations in the world music category, the Montrealer of Congolese origin puts together all kinds of sounds and rhythms. Le Dernier Empereur Bantou was recorded over two years in Washington D.C, Nova Scotia and Montreal, and includes collaborations with Jacobus (Radio Radio), Baloji and The Posterz. Nom de Plume and Poirier also participated in the making of this eagerly awaited full-length debut album.
Tracklisting
01.Cadavere
02.African Dream
03.Mardi Gras (feat. Jacobus)
04.Popolipo (feat. Samito)
05.Kuna Na Goma (feat. Baloji)
06.Ani Kuni (feat. Jacobus)
07.Irène
08.Ali Boma Ye (feat. Samito)
09.Let It Play (feat. Poncho French)
10.Sorry
11.Mami Wata (feat. The Posterz)