Le Dernier Empereur Bantou

Pierre Kwenders’ first full-length project is an electro-fused delight. Kwenders currently resides in Montreal but has Congolese heritage and his album is wonderfully eclectic, with a bold mix of styles on show. Opening gambit ‘Cadavere’ packs a real punch, with its Miami bass-tinged beat juxtaposed with Kwenders’ alluring vocal talents. ‘African Dream’ is equally enticing, with a fresh down-tempo flavour and upbeat lyrics.

The album's highlight ‘Mardi Gras’ features a swelling bass and some infectious Cajun rhythms – this album was partially recorded in Nova Scotia, an early home to Acadian balladry that later fed into the music of Louisiana – and a great performance from the Montreal-based rapper Jacobus. Indeed, there are welcome guest appearances throughout from various MCs that add significantly to this record's fluency. The Posterz bring gritty realism to album closer ‘Mami Wata’, while Belgian-Congolese rapper Baloji adds real flair and contrast to ‘Kuna Na Goma’, with a strong and cutting delivery. Le Dernier Empereur Bantou is an expansive and remarkably accomplished debut record.