CongoSonic: Bantu Beats Across the Americas

Start
March 29 @ 12:00 pm
End
June 14 @ 5:00 pm
Cost
Free
Organizer’s Site
https://wgsac.wordpress.com/2025/03/06/congosonic-bantu-beats-across-the-americas/
Council District
City Council District 10
Event Series Dates
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 29, 2025; Exhibition: Saturday, March 29 to Saturday, June 14, 2025, Gallery Hours: Noon to 5:00 p.m.
CongoSonic: Bantu Beats Across the Americas opening reception Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m at the william grant still arts center

The community is invited to attend DCA’s William Grant Still Arts Center (WGSAC) opening reception of CongoSonic: Bantu Beats Across the Americas, Saturday March 29, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

From the vibrant rhythms of traditional Bantu instruments to the infectious grooves of Congolese rumba and soukous, CongoSonic: Bantu Beats Across the Americas delves into how music from the Congo has shaped genres across the Americas—including jazz, rock n roll, hip-hop, cumbia, salsa, and bachata. On display, you will find a collection of albums, photographs, and other materials that showcase the lasting influence of the greater Congo on our continents.

Explore the cultural connections formed through the African diaspora, discover iconic artists like Franco Luambo and Papa Wemba, and trace the enduring legacy of Congolese rhythms in modern music from legends such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and Nina Simone to Big Mama Thornton, Zapp, Celia Cruz, Prince Buster, and aja monet. Featuring interactive listening opportunities, including live performances, and rare artifacts, CongoSonic highlights culture, music and movement commonalities in the Americas from Congo while reflecting on the devastating humanitarian and ecological crisis currently unfolding.

The opening reception is Free and open to the public.

 

CongoSonic: Bantu Beats Across the Americas shows from Saturday, March 29 to Saturday, June 14, 2025. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.

To learn much more about the exhibition, please visit wgsac.wordpress.com/2025/03/06/congosonic-bantu-beats-across-the-americas/.

Exhibition programming:

Opening Reception, Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Djs Adé and Fresko in vinyl conversation

Workshop and Performance, Saturday, April 19, 2025

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  | Workshop with Petna Ndaliko Katondolo

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  | Performances by aja monet and Jimetta Rose and the Voices of Creation

Screening Thursdays | 7:00 p.m.

The Rumba Kings, April 10, 2025

Neptune Frost, May 1, 2025

When We Were Kings, June 5, 2025

 

Questions? Please contact WGSAC at (323) 734-1165 or wgsarts@lacity.org.

Location

William Grant Still Arts Center
2520 S West View St
Los Angeles, CA 90016 United States + Google Map
Website:
View Venue Website

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