Grupo Lokito is truly unique in the UK.

Grupo Lokito fuses contemporary Congolese and Latin music creating a modern day cocktail of two of the great world musics.

Formed in 2006 by British Latin pianist Sara McGuinness and Congolese singer Jose Hendrix Ndelo, Grupo Lokito’s musicians are a mix of Congolese, Latin and British artists who have chosen to make London their home.

Lokito’s energetic front-line of singers are true performers, and when the groove steps up a notch in the blistering salsa and seben sections, their outlandish dancing has to be seen to be believed – witness it first-hand on their video clips!

In May 2011 Grupo Lokito completed a UK tour as part of the Making Tracks concert series, this followed a successful Arts Council funded 2010 tour. The live show features stunning visuals by “Your Mum” Visual artists.

In September 2011 they rocked the house at Stratford Circus as part of the London African Music festival.

In 2010 the band released their first CD “Esengo Ya Ko Bina” (The Joy of Dancing) capturing the vibrancy and spirit of their stage show. Grupo Lokito have been included in several compilation CDs including: Latin Beat on Putumayo (2011), Urban Africa on Cavendish Music (2010), and “The Rough guide to African Street Party “ on the World Music Network (2008)..

Don’t miss this great band who are making waves both here and in Kinshasa.

QUOTES:

“Such sweet guitars! Lovely groove - had me moving in my seat.” 
DJ/ Writer/Compiler Lubi Jovanovic

“..an uplifting set of songs with all the rich Congolese vocal harmonies, spicy soukous guitar lines and Cuban salsa rhythms that they do so charmingly well on stage.”
Rose Skelton, Songlines Jan/Feb 2011

“Featuring the cream of London’s African and Latin musicians, layering the swinging soukous guitar sound of Kinshasa over the roots rhythms of Havana and then topping it all off with honeyed vocal harmonies and spoonfuls of hot salsa piano.”

“Lokito have got swing and charm, rich melodies and insinuating rhythms.”

Quote from Jamie Renton (DJ,Journalist)

Releases

GRUPO LOKITO

Esengo Ya Ko Bina, Malecon Records, 2010

NEW CD “ESENGO YA KO BINA” OUT NOW

Distribution for Benelux countries                Bookings for mainland Europe

COMPILATIONS

Rough Guide to African Street Party,World Music Network 2008

Urban Africa, Cavendish Music 2010 (available for download on iTunes)

World City Music Village, Cultural Cooperation, 2010

Band Members:

Vocals:          Makuta and Iddo

Guitars:         Limouisne, Chocolat and Mbokalia

Keyboards:   Sara McGuinness

Bass:            Elpidio Caicedo

Congas:        Emeris Solis

Drums:          Michel Castellanos