INTERVIEW: Kiazi Malonga pays tribute to his parents on debut album
Photo: Kiazi Malonga’s debut solo album is a tribute to his late parents. Photo courtesy of artist / Provided by Press Junkie PR with permission.
Kiazi Malonga decided to make his solo debut album a personal affair. Tembo Kia Ngoma, according to press notes, is a loving tribute to his late parents, and for fans of Central African dance, there’s probably a good chance that Kiazi’s family is well known. His father, Malonga Casquelourd, was a “world-renowned ambassador” of Central African sounds, someone who taught Congolese dance, drum and folkloric performance art.
Kiazi, a powerful drummer, is very much following in the footsteps of his father with Tembo Kia Ngoma, which translates from Kikongo to English as “the wind of the drum.” The selections on the album were recorded over the course of two years at Redtone Records in California. The 10 instrumental tracks are in a similar style to how Kiazi’s father would “set the order of the annual Fua Dia Congo performances,” according to an official press release.
Listeners can enjoy the first single, “Lomami,” or pick up the entire album, which was released today, March 5. This first single is actually in memory of another of Kiazi’s family members, his older cousin Diaka Fungula.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Kiazi, who is a second-generation Congolese American, about the new album. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can your fans and new listeners expect from your debut album Tembo Kia Ngoma?
Listeners and fans can expect to be deeply immersed in the funky rhythms, rich melodies and infectious vibrations of Kongo music. (Kongo with a K refers to the ancient Kongo Kingdom, which is present day Angola, parts of Gabon and both Congos). They can also expect polyrhythmic compositions that reflect and pay homage to my culture, teachers and my parents.
What do you like about the first single ‘Lomami’?
My three favorite parts about ‘Lomami’ are the guitar riffs, the Ngoma composition and the nostalgia it gives me when I think about dancing to Mutwashi music growing up with my older cousin Diaka (who the song is in memory of).
Is it difficult to play the Ngoma drum? How long would it take to become proficient?
The Ngoma drum requires a lot of skill, technique and attention to detail. So, literally, the level of difficulty is mid/high. However, there is a spiritual element to playing — that, if you’re able to align with, can help you create a stronger connection and understanding making the learning process a little easier. It can take several years to reach proficiency, but it’s a super fun journey.
How do you honor your parents with these new songs?
The album is dedicated to my parents, so I chose to highlight unrecorded compositions of my father and feature favorite rhythms of my mother. Taking it a step further, I make an attempt to build on the cultural knowledge and foundation that they left me by doing some cool collaborations and showcasing rhythms/music that have yet to be recorded and released in the U.S.
How would you describe traditional Congolese music for a listener who may not know too much about the art form?
Be prepared to feel the urge to dance — polyrhythmic, funky, soul-touching vibrations. Feel the wind of the music blow you away.
As a musician, has it been difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic? When will you meet your fans again in person?
I feel like it’s safe to say, COVID has been a challenge for us all. I was in Congo at the onset of the pandemic when the world shut down, and I was literally evacuated back to the U.S. The lockdown, while removing the teaching and performing that I normally do, allowed me to lean into the album for which I hope folks will enjoy! I hope to meet my fans again in person as soon as safely possible … spring/early summer 2021. I hope (fingers crossed).
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Kiazi Malonga’s debut solo album is Tembo Kia Ngoma. Click here for more information.
