LIVE: Wa Lika @ The Linda, 02/13/2022

By Rudy Lu On Feb 16, 2022

Many are not aware that Nippertown is quite a diverse community. Schenectady-based New York Folklore is trying to change that. In partnership with WAMC, a Congolese Rumba and Sabene band, Wa Lika took The Linda stage on Sunday, February 13th.

Interestingly enough, Rumba developed from Congolese musicians listening to Cuban music. It has a slow beat, with Sabene being more uptempo. The dominant instrument was the guitar which is played in a melodic West African style.

The band consisted of trap drums, percussion, bass, keyboard, guitar and bass, male and female singers. The band was fronted by Patrick Kasongo, sporting a headdress, leading the band and the audience in singing and dancing. Much of the band and the audience were from the neighborhood surrounding the venue. It was heartwarming to see many children in the audience who were dancing at the front of the stage.

NY Folklore staff member Edgar Betelu emceed the two sets of music. This concert was part of a series of collaborations between NY Folklore and The Linda. So stay tuned for more collaborations.