Kasai Allstars are a 25-piece musical collective based in Kinshasa, DRC. The group is unique in the history of Congolese music as the members hail from multiple tribes and bands, all from the Kasai region.  Historically, these tribes endured conflicting relationships over the centuries. Speaking four different languages, each tribe has its own culture and traditions which were always thought to be incompatible - until these musicians decided to pool resources and form a ‘superband’.

The instrumental makeup of this collective includes likembe (thumb pianos) of varying sizes, wooden balafon (xylophones) and multiple hand drums. The electric guitar is prominent, but played in the likembe’s rhythmic line. Occasionally the sound of bass guitar and trap drum are heard, but the prominent component is the band’s vocal harmonies. Dancers are an integral part of the collective, rather than seen as add-ons to the band.

All things considered, the Kasai Allstars are a band to be danced with rather than simply listened to. Their live shows are really something not to be missed!

The band currently tour with a streamlined, rockier line-up of 7 musicians. 

Kasai Allstars took part in the Congotronics Vs Rockers collaborative project, including ten Congolese and ten indie rock musicians (including members of Deerhoof, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, Konono No.1, Skeletons and Juana Molina), and have performed at major festivals including Glastonbury, Roskilde, Couleur Café, Paleo, Fuji Rock, North Sea Jazz Festival and more.

They recently appeared in and wrote the music for "Félicité", the feature film by Alain Gomis which won a Silver Bear at Berlinale, the Etalon d'Or at FESPACO in Ouagadougou and is preselected for the Oscars.