!! Get all the latest info about their rehearsals, preparations and other stuff via this blog

An exceptional creation!

It is with great pleasure that we announce "Congotronics vs. Rockers”, an exceptional initiative created by Crammed Discs and Mukalo Production and co-produced by the Botanique and Couleur Café Festival (a first!), plus the Paléo Festival de Nyon (Switzerland), Les Vieilles Charrues (France).

Congolese bands Konono No. 1and Kasai Allstars(collectively referred to as "Congotronics") form the subject of genuine adulation in the world of indie-rock; for audiences, media and artists alike. Released in 2010, the double album Tradi-Mods vs. Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronicsmet the high expectations. It contains tributes, covers and new interpretations of Congotronics' music that were created by 26 artists from the indie and electronic scene.

Here we have the logical outcome of that transcontinental North-South meeting: Ten Congolese musicians and ten European and American musicians are currently working to develop a shared and original repertoire, which will build bridges between their respective worlds. This colourful ensemble performs - with more than 20 musicians - under the name "Congotronics Vs. Rockers" - uniting Konono N ° 1, Kasai Allstars, potent U.S. band Deerhoof, incomparable Argentine artist Juana Molina, explosive Swedish experimental-pop duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums, and inventive Brooklyn band Skeletons (represented by its leader Matt Mehlan).

The resulting show promises to be one of the most extraordinary musical events of 2011. The world première of the project is to take place at the Cirque Royal in Brussels,on May 12, 2011 to open the Nuits Botanique. The ensuing tour commences in Brussels at Couleur Cafe, on June 26, and will then cross Europe and Japan until July 31, with only 15 exclusive concerts.

Instigator of the project is the Crammed Discs label. In 2011, they celebrate their 30th anniversary in style with this project, one so representative of their path.