A raw, powerful debut from Kin'Gongolo Kiniata, fusing Congolese rumba with punk spirit and recycled instruments to call for peace and justice.

Mima, the debut album from Kin'Gongolo Kiniata, is a fierce sonic outcry from the heart of Kinshasa. This five-piece Congolese Afro-punk band transforms the raw noise of the street into protest music using instruments made entirely from recycled materials--metal plates, plastic bottles, scrap wire. Their name--'the crushing sound'--refers to the clang of oil canisters in the dark days of city-wide blackouts, a perfect metaphor for their ability to turn hardship into energy, chaos into rhythm.

Far from conventional love songs, Mima is unapologetically political and socially urgent. On tracks like 'Toko Lemba Te,' they denounce the endless war and humanitarian crises in the DRC, demanding dignity and peace for its people. 'Elengi Ya Ko Vivre' calls for the youth to abandon gang life in favour of rebuilding society. Their lyrics, sung in Lingala, give voice to stories rarely heard--urban resilience, suffering, and the uncompromising hope of Kinshasa's people.

Formed in 2019, Kin'Gongolo Kiniata's journey is rooted in persistence. After years of rehearsing in obscurity, they gained attention through a Boiler Room-style event and a session for KEXP at Trans Musicales. They draw inspiration from legendary Congolese acts like Konono Nº1 and Staff Benda Bilili, with a lineup that includes Leebruno, Mille Baguettes, Ducap, Djino, and Bébé Mingé--all multi-instrumentalists using custom, hand-built gear.

With Mima, Kin'Gongolo Kiniata doesn't just create music--they build a sound from necessity and transform it into resistance. Their album is a rallying cry, a celebration of the Kinois spirit, and a powerful addition to the global conversation on justice, survival, and the transformative power of sound.

Track Listing

• Toye Mabe
• Kingongolo
• Angoisse
• Liseki Te
• Toko Lemba Te
• Fina Fina
• Lowi
• Moto
• Elengi Ya Ko Vivre
• Bunda
• Tekiara

Additional Details

Label: Helicon

Genre: World

Run Time: 48 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 07/11/25

UPC: 3521383498866