Montreal dance-music phenom Pierre Kwenders has announced his new album José Louis and the Paradox of Love, arriving April 29 on Arts & Crafts. He's also shared the record's lead single "Papa Wemba," which comes with a video directed by Daniel Amoakoh.
The follow-up to 2017's MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time, José Louis and the Paradox of Love was recorded over four years and features appearances from Win Butler, Michael Brun, BRANKO, King Britt, Ngabo, Sônge, anaiis, Babel Bukasa, Uproot Andy, and the Africa Intshiyetu Choir.
On today's single, "Papa Wemba," Kwenders pays homage to his homeland of Congo, its title a tribute to the "King of Rumba Rock" and pioneer of the La Sape subcultural movement who died in 2016. About the new track and video, Kwenders said:
He's been called the king of Congolese Rumba, Papa Wemba has also been one of my idols and biggest inspirations. He has paved the way for so many artists and has brought Congolese Rumba to another extent. His passing in 2016 was devastating for all rumba lovers. I knew from that day that I wanted to pay homage to him.
This video is a clin d'oeil to his essence and elegance. Being one of the founding fathers of La Sape, I wanted this video to showcase beauty and swagg as Papa Wemba would. Teaming up with (director) Daniel Amoakoah was a dream come true. I knew he would bring the vision to life.
Watch the video for "Papa Wemba" and see the José Louis and the Paradox of Love tracklist below.
José Louis and the Paradox of Love:
1. L.E.S (Liberté Égalité Sagacité) (Feat. Win Butler, King Britt)
2. Your Dream (Feat. Ngabo)
3. No No No
4. Imparfait (Feat. Sônge)
5. Papa Wemba
6. Religion désir
7. Makambo Ya Gaga (skit)
8. Heartbeat (Feat. anaiis)
9. Kilimanjaro
10. Coupé
11. Sahara
12. Radio trottoir (Interlude) (Feat. Babel Bukasa)
13. Church (Likambo) (Feat. Africa Intshiyetu Choir)
Pre-order José Louis and the Paradox of Love.
The follow-up to 2017's MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time, José Louis and the Paradox of Love was recorded over four years and features appearances from Win Butler, Michael Brun, BRANKO, King Britt, Ngabo, Sônge, anaiis, Babel Bukasa, Uproot Andy, and the Africa Intshiyetu Choir.
On today's single, "Papa Wemba," Kwenders pays homage to his homeland of Congo, its title a tribute to the "King of Rumba Rock" and pioneer of the La Sape subcultural movement who died in 2016. About the new track and video, Kwenders said:
He's been called the king of Congolese Rumba, Papa Wemba has also been one of my idols and biggest inspirations. He has paved the way for so many artists and has brought Congolese Rumba to another extent. His passing in 2016 was devastating for all rumba lovers. I knew from that day that I wanted to pay homage to him.
This video is a clin d'oeil to his essence and elegance. Being one of the founding fathers of La Sape, I wanted this video to showcase beauty and swagg as Papa Wemba would. Teaming up with (director) Daniel Amoakoah was a dream come true. I knew he would bring the vision to life.
Watch the video for "Papa Wemba" and see the José Louis and the Paradox of Love tracklist below.
José Louis and the Paradox of Love:
1. L.E.S (Liberté Égalité Sagacité) (Feat. Win Butler, King Britt)
2. Your Dream (Feat. Ngabo)
3. No No No
4. Imparfait (Feat. Sônge)
5. Papa Wemba
6. Religion désir
7. Makambo Ya Gaga (skit)
8. Heartbeat (Feat. anaiis)
9. Kilimanjaro
10. Coupé
11. Sahara
12. Radio trottoir (Interlude) (Feat. Babel Bukasa)
13. Church (Likambo) (Feat. Africa Intshiyetu Choir)
Pre-order José Louis and the Paradox of Love.
