Born in 1955 in the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Kanda Bongo Man joined a local Kinshasa band on leaving school, playing the hot rhumba sound of the time. Seeking a wider audience, he moved to Paris in 1979 where his big breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of ‘Iyole’. At the heart of the Parisian Soukous* scene ever since, Kanda Bongo Man is today one the most famous exponents of this totally infectious sound. He has also gifted the world with a new variety of dance called Kwassa Kwassa!** In 1983 Kanda played the WOMAD Festival and so his international reputation was born. Since then he has sold thousands of albums worldwide to a following of devotees who, once having heard his music, are smitten, not able to wipe the smile from their faces. Kanda makes some of the most joyful, irresistible music you are ever likely to see and hear. The New York Times writes: \'Zairean soukous is a lilting, rippling, dance groove that seems to smile from every register …\' And, as The Boston Herald puts it: \'If Kanda Bongo Man\'s infectious brand of Zairian Soukous doesn\'t make you want to dance, call an ambulance – you\'re dead.\' We say: it\'s party time; time for the glad rags. Because this is no ordinary time – this is Soukous time. Greenbelt has never seen the like. Be there. Some explanations: * Soukous is characterised by its shimmering dual guitar parts that build a musical intensity that is vibrant, even hypnotic – and sure to set you dancing. **Kwassa Kwassa is a dance where the hips move back and forth while the hands move to follow them. Practise it beforehand.