Konono Nº1

The Profile

Konono Nº1 are a Congolese group from Kinshasa, founded in the 1960s by likembé master Mingiedi Mawangu. Known for amplified likembés and DIY sound systems built from salvaged parts, they fuse Bazombo trance traditions with distorted electronics and driving percussion. Their global profile rose via the Congotronics releases on Crammed Discs.

Internationally championed by Belgian producer Vincent Kenis and associated with Crammed Discs’ Congotronics series; renowned for handmade amplification of likembés and polyrhythmic percussion rooted in Kinshasa.

A single, strongly positive review presents Konono Nº1 as a Congolese collective led by likembé virtuoso Mingiedi, propelled into wider attention by producer Vincent Kenis. It highlights their handcrafted amplification (three likembés and scrap-metal percussion) born from urban migration. Tracks like Lufuala Ndonga, Masikulo and Kule Kule showcase relentless, trance-like grooves with industrial/electronic overtones. The piece frames Congotronics as something genuinely unheard: psychedelic, analog, and overwhelming.