Vintage Roots, Future Sounds: **Konkolo Orchestra** return to London After electrifying a packed house last year, Konkolo Orchestra is set to return to London with their signature blend of hypnotic rhythms and irresistible groove. Formed in 2024 in Zurich, Switzerland, by drummer and composer Alexis Malefakis and fronted by South African vocalist Nongoma Ndlovu, Konkolo Orchestra is a 11-piece collective united by their love for rhythm and flow. Their music draws on the Afrobeat traditions of West Africa while incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and dub, creating a sound that is both rooted and forward-looking. Their debut album, Future Pasts (Rocafort Records), propelled the band onto the international stage, including a debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival 2024, and established them as a rising force. “With Konkolo Orchestra, our aim is to create music that radiates positive energy and resonates on a deeper level,” says founder Alexis Malefakis. “It’s inspiring to see how many people connect with our sound — apparently, there’s something about more than 10 people flowing and moving together on stage that really resonates.” On stage, Ndlovu’s vocal presence and spiritual energy guide the performance, while the ensemble provides a dynamic backdrop: layered percussion drives the heartbeat, guitars, keyboards, and bass create melodic textures, and horns pierce with fanfare. Together, they deliver powerful and euphoric performances that are immersive and communal. The band plans to release a series of new singles in late 2025, with their second album scheduled for Spring 2026. Presented by Hootananny Brixton. This is an 18+ event