Lady Aicha & Pisco Crane's Original Fulu Miziki of Kinshasa

• N'djila Wa Mudjimo [Nyege Nyege Tapes, 2022] A-

Consumer Guide Reviews:

N'djila Wa Mudjimo [Nyege Nyege Tapes, 2022]
The simplest way to slot this raw, ebullient, technologically street-primitive, culturally avant-pop groove is post-Congotronic. Clueless as to what the words are but aware that Kinshasan instrument fabricator (from old oil cans, discarded pipes, defunct computers, etc.) Crane has been described as "a participating member node for the Data Observation Network for Earth," whereas lead vocalist Lady Aicha (named for a Moroccan goddess famed among other things for her hooves) is said to be a "performance artist, sculptor, and fashion designer," I have no idea how "street" it actually is. What I do know is that it's a simultaneously bracing and abrasive reminder that without a hint of comfort or affluence these hard-hustling Third Worlders are loud, unbowed, and sui generis. Is their music going to resolve? Is it going to get pretty? Not on your life. A-