KATOKYE (UG) + Berbere Superstar (US)

On Monday, September 7, Kirtimai Cultural Center presents a unique concert where the traditional throat singing of Western Uganda meets psychedelic, Ethiopian-inspired electronics.

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John Katokye is one of the leading practitioners of the traditional throat singing of the Banyankore people in Western Uganda. His performances are rooted in ekyeshongoro – improvised poetic songs reflecting on family, regional history, cattle-herding life and the landscapes of his homeland. Layered vocal textures, long flowing vocal passages and an almost ritualistic performance style transform each concert into a deeply immersive listening experience.

Released on the acclaimed Nyege Nyege Tapes label in 2025, Obuhangwa bwa Banyankore na Bahororo introduced this remarkable vocal tradition to international audiences, followed shortly by Katokye's international debut at one of Europe's most influential experimental music festivals, Le Guess Who?

https://nyegenyegetapes.bandcamp.com/album/obuhangwa-bwa-banyankore-na-bahororo 

Video by Vincent Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA5ItjYP2PU 

On the other end of the evening's spectrum is Berbere Superstar, the solo project of Chicago-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Jonah Rapino. Ethiopian musical traditions, live sampling, electric violin, drum machines and rare vinyl recordings come together in a genre-defying performance equally suited for deep listening and the dance floor.

Expect such unexpected connections as Jamaican dancehall, Algerian folk music, free improvisation and contemporary electronics, all woven together with a distinctive rhythmic pulse and artistic vision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNHi4SDNU6k 

https://jonahrapino.bandcamp.com/album/berbere-superstar-the-best-things-are-never-recorded 

Both artists draw deeply from musical traditions, yet neither seeks to preserve them as museum pieces. Instead, they allow these traditions to evolve, transform and resonate in entirely new contexts.

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Doors: 19:00
Concert starts: 19:30
Bar available throughout the evening.
Organised by Kirtimai Cultural Center.