African Night Fever brings the tropical dance party to the Forum with

GRUPO LOKITO

CONGO MEETS CUBA IN AN EXUBERANT EXPLOSION OF SOUND

Grupo Lokito fuse contemporary Congolese and Cuban music creating a modern day cocktail of two of the great world musics. Based in London, the band features top class Congolese and Latin musicians. They have taken the UK by storm, wowing festivals and the club circuit alike with their blistering grooves and outlandish dance moves. In 2016 the band were awarded the UK Lukas Award ‘ Tropical Act of the Year’, leading to their acclaimed headline performance at the La Clave Festival, 2017.

The glorious melodious vocals of Congolese front men Eugene Makuta and Iddo Donnatella blends with soaring guitars courtesy of Congolese guitar hero Mbokalia, and the lilting keyboards of Latin piano player Sara. All of this sits on top of the rhythmic powerhouse team of Ernesto (drums), Emeris (Congas) and Elpidio (bass).

Since their formation in 2006 the band have gone from strength to strength, completing several UK tours and building a solid following. As if the grooves weren’t enough, the band have developed a rapport with their audiences which gets everyone up on their feet.

Grupo Lokito write their own original tunes: stories of life ranging from love tales, reflections on the trials facing musicians trying to make a home away from home, wisdom of the elders to the simple joy of dancing.

A new EP is due to be released in April 2018, A sample of this “Melodie” can be seen at

Previous releases include “Esengo Ya Ko Bina” (The Joy of Dancing) capturing the vibrancy and spirit of their stage show, Latin Beat on Putumayo (Aug 30 2011), Urban Africa on Cavendish Music (2010) and “The Rough guide to African Street Party “ on the World Music Network (2008).

BAND MEMBERS

Eugene Makuta – Vocals

Iddo Donnatella – Vocals

Burkina Faso – Lead Guitar

Sara McGuinness – Keyboards/Bandleader

Elpidio Alegria – Bass/Vocals

Emeris Solis – Congas

Ernesto Mariachales – Drums

Some recent quotes:

“Grupo Lokito played at our wedding on New Year’s Eve - and wow what a performance! Sara and the rest of the band were a joy to watch - they have so much energy and are incredibly talented. Their music is infectious and you can’t help but dance. Everyone, young and old, loved their set and was talking about it afterwards! It was great working with Sara who is highly professional and dedicated. I’m just sorry we didn’t have more time to hear more of their music in a longer set. Thank you Grupo Lokito!” Private client, wedding 31st December 2017

“We invited Lokito as the main act of our 3rd African Evening in Aid of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and what an amazing choice that was! Their whole performance was outstanding and there was not a single person seated in a venue with nearly 300 people. Everyone felt compelled to dance and join in with their amazing music, a mixture of Congolese and Latin rhythms. Lokito were incredibly animated and knew how to get the audience to enjoy themselves with their dancing, their music and their encouragement for audience participation. The feedback was very positive and everyone said they would love to see them again as they brought to Norwich a fresh and wonderful taste of Africa. It was a total musical treat, and it helped us to create a unique event which raised over £1900 for MSF. Well done Lokito for bringing so much happiness to all of us while helping us to raise money for an amazing cause. “ Dr. Beatriz de la Iglesia and Michael Gyapong (Event organisers), Fundraiser for Medecins Sans Frontieres, Norwich 18 Feb 2017

"On a baking hot Saturday Grupo Lokito took to the stage in the early evening and lifted the sun soaked Rhythmtree audience from their seats with their irresistible mix of Cuban and Congolese styles. It's a sparkling, very natural and catchy combination of styles and when it's delivered with this much panache, verve and good time confident gusto by a band who love what they do and are at the top of their game the result is a joyous celebration and wide smiles all round. Group Lokito have matured into a truly great band and were, amidst strong competition, one of the stand out hits of our festival weekend." Pete Holden, Rhythmtree Festival, Isle Of Wight 18 July 2015

"Grupo Lokito rounded off the first ever ¡VAMOS! Leeds with a real feel good vibe of Congolese and Latino rhythms. Tightly delivered and with an infectious spirit and warm energy they were the perfect headliner!" Nik Barrera, Vamos Festival Leeds 1 August 2015

“Kudos to the entire Grupo Lokito team! You guys put up an incredibly outstanding performance last saturday at the Vamos Festival in Leeds! Haven't come across a multi-talented team who can do variety of music genres! May you guys continue to grow to greater heights!” Audience member Vamos Festival Leeds 1 August 2015

'Grupo Lokito outshone a wealth of good latin based groups during the Chilli Fiesta. It is almost impossible to remain seated during their performance. Their mix of Congolese/Cuban rhythms and beat backed by superb authentic vocals is astounding. I have lived and worked in South America and sub Saharan Africa for over twenty years but have never heard such grass roots music played with such gusto here in England. Entertainment at its best.' Audience member, Chilli Fiesta, 7 August 2015

LINKS

AUDIO LINKS

Esengo Ya Ko Bina (Zouk-Salsa) https://soundcloud.com/sarakeys-1/02-esengo-ya-ko-bina?in=sarakeys-1/sets/grupo-lokito

Congo (Rumba-Seben) https://soundcloud.com/sarakeys-1/congo?in=sarakeys-1/sets/grupo-lokito

Tu Jueguito (Salsa) https://soundcloud.com/sarakeys-1/tu-juegito?in=sarakeys-1/sets/grupo-lokito

VIDEO LINKS

Na kokamwa (Rumba) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMnSQ3HIuUY&t=1s

Melodi (Rumba) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewri9-d0Q9Q

WEBSITE LINKS

www.grupolokito.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grupo-Lokito/

Twitter: #grupolokito