ABOUT

Kasai Allstars – the starting point for this supergroup is, of course, the indigenous ethnic music of Africa, specifically the movement directly associated with Konono N°1 and Kasai: the iconic “Congotronics” phenomenon.

Kasai Allstars is more than just a band—it is an institution that defies simple classification. It is composed of five different collectives from the Kasai province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (from which the group takes its name). One of these exceptional ensembles is Basokin. During their phenomenal live performances, primal rhythms generated on traditional instruments intertwine with expressive dance, striking costumes, and intriguing references to modern genres such as jazz, hip hop, trance, and rock.

One of the group’s most recent major successes is their musical contribution to and appearance in the film “Félicité,” which was awarded the Silver Bear in Berlin this year.

The event is organised with the support of the General Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in Warsaw.

CRAMMED DISCS

The concert was part of a showcase dedicated to the Crammed Discs label. Operating continuously for over 35 years, the label has earned worldwide recognition and established itself as a premier brand. Although based in Brussels, Crammed Discs does not focus solely on Belgian or even European music. On the contrary, it releases a very broad musical spectrum, ranging from world music, rock, and jazz to new wave, post-punk, and modern electronica. The label presents artists from all over the globe, and their extensive catalog—now exceeding 350 titles—features bands from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and numerous corners of Europe. In the global music market, Crammed Discs has long been perceived as a boundary-breaking, committed, bold, and inquisitive label. Over the years, the label’s activities have even given rise to thematic sub-labels dedicated to contemporary Brazilian music and niche electronic sounds.

As part of the Crammed Discs showcase, five performers associated with the label came to Lublin for their only concerts of the summer. Representing the United States and the new wave movement was the iconic  Tuxedomoon.  The phenomenal Kasai Allstars feat. Basokin took us on a journey to Africa, while the Dutch group Skip & Die provided a dance set featuring incredibly dynamic and high-energy music. A true treat for fans of the label was undoubtedly the concert by Aksak Maboul—the band led by Marc Hollander (the label’s founder and head)  and a Belgian legend of the 1980s counterculture. The group performed alongside Veronique Vincent, with guest appearances by artists from Aquaserge. These young French musicians also performed their own material, as the Aquaserge concert completed the full Crammed Discs showcase.  Traditionally, beyond the music itself, the festival featured meetings related to the label, film screenings, and unique Crammed Discs releases available at our Festival Club. Joining us in Lublin at our special invitation were the label’s visionary founder, Marc Hollander, and his long-standing creative partner, Hanna Gorjaczkowska

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