bantu continua uhuru consciousness
bantu continua uhuru consciousness
secret culture message presents
NOVEMBER 4 ⩥ BCUC w/ Deejay Theory in Holyokeafricangungungu: the afro-psychedelic sound of soweto
BCUC is the new sound of Soweto. It got started just a stone’s throw from Desmond Tutu’s home, in the township of 1.3 million souls that was once the epicenter of the anti-apartheid movement. Their “ancient to the future” sound is a next-century mash-up of township music, shebeen (bar) music, church music, gospel, punk, and rock and roll.
“We are descended from tribes who use music as therapy.” Lead singer Nkosi "Jovi" Zithulele says. “Since 2003 we have wanted to be a band that would change the way people think about music from Africa.”
Music by the people, for the people, with the people. The members of Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) frequently remind us of this, because it’s the firmament of their set— the audience and the band are one; not separate but together; engaged in a ritual of musical healing.
And there’s a lot of healing to do.
PUNK. SPIRITUAL. ECSTATIC.
BCUC’s live shows are transcendant rites of explosive sound. Their dancefloor Afrofuturism heals and commands in propulsive jams that rebalance bodies and souls, awakening crowds to the power of a shared, fairer future.
The band has been blowing up stages in Europe on a regular basis for awhile now — from Roskilde to Glastonbury, WOMAD to Le Guess Who —and they’re in such high demand that getting over the Atlantic is rare and often delayed.
This 21st century township music builds on the spiritual legacy of artists like Fela Kuti, but inherits just as much from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Tribe Called Quest, and Mick Jagger. It is Ladysmith Black Mambazo gone Afropunk with bass and drums.
HOLYOKE HEATS UP
BCUC needs a big room, so we’ll be at Race Street Live in Holyoke for this one. This will be an afro-psychedelic foot-stomping experience, but if you’d like to sit down there will be limited seating.
Deejay Theory sets the vibe with a set of amapiano — a South African subgenre of African house music with jazz and lounge influences that is blowing up internationally and deserves your attention.
And if you want an extra chance to connect with this band, there is a community jam & conversation planned in Easthampton on
Deejay Theory starts off the night with a set of straight Amapiano in honor of our South African guests.
Amapiano is a massively popular subgenre of African house that originated in South Africa in the 2010s. It is gaining popularity globally for its deep, spiritual vibe.
Watch this amapiano explainer or listen to BCUC’s playlist of their fave tracks in this genre to get acquainted with the sound.
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