Archeology

Montparnasse Musique are an unstoppable Afro-Futurist dynamic duo: Algerian-French DJ/producer with a visual arts background, Nadjib, and South African house DJ, Aero Manyelo, who met by chance at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station in Paris. Together they now pursue what Nadjib proclaims ‘an ethnological musical adventure running from North Africa to South Africa and meeting in the middle, in Congo (DRC), a country whose contemporary art and music are linked, and as strong as each other.’ This is their debut album and it's a glowing pulsating wonder!

The tracks tumble by in glorious profusion, each with a truly distinct sound. The pair seem to be walking libraries of roots music licks from many an African culture, but also masters of studio and dance floor digital technology. They come up with unique pieces like ‘Badarou’, their tribute to Benin's digital studio and keyboard pioneer Wally Badarou, who has worked with everyone from Fela Kuti to Marianne Faithfull. It spans a rootsy sonic past and electro-gqom future, gliding between diverse African musical cultures. Elsewhere, infectious tracks such as ‘Makonda’ feature Congotronic stars like Konono No 1's Menga Waku, his Kinshasa style vocals blending avant-rock and trance. The videos are also vibrant, vibing eclectic works of Pan-African art. Long may the Montparnasse Musique mojo stay wild and inspirational.