Champe-Soukous Collective (Colombia, Congo, Angola, USA, Caribbean)

     Champe-Soukous Collective is a newly-formed All-Star ensemble that bridges the Trans-Atlantic connection between Colombian champeta and it’s source music of Central African/Congolese soukous-rumba.

     From Central Africa, the group features such historic performers as vocalists Wawali Bonane Bungu (Tabu Ley Rochereau et L’Orchestra Afrisa International, Yoka Nzenze, Lokassa Ya Mbongo, Generation Soukous), Mis Blandine (L'Afrisa International, M’bilia Bel, Lokassa Ya Mbongo), Ricardo Lemvo (Makina Loca), and soukous guitar legend Huit Kilos Nseka (L'Afrisa International, Papa Wemba, M’bilia Bel, King Kester & Victoria Eleison). 

     From Colombia, the Collective includes the core of Colombia’s “champeta champions” Tribu Baharu as the ensemble’s rhythm foundation as well vocalist Eka Gordom (Sidestepper, M’bilia Bel, Lokassa Ya Mbongo), horns Oscar “El Kike” Banquez (Toto La Momposina, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto) amongst others profile performers.

     Together, the force of this un-paralleled Champe-Soukous Collective is an an Afro-Colombian dance party not to be missed!

Advance tracks from the ensemble's debut recording CoCo Ritmo will be released by Tambora Records in the Fall of 2025 with the full lp slated to hit the public in early 2026 - just in time for Carnivale season.

     Carnegie Hall was so excited about the pedigree of the performers in this international ensemble, that they booked the group for an exclusive performance at their prestigious Carnegie Hall Citywide Summer concert series before even one note of music had yet been recorded by the group!

     Now that the record is slated for public release, we are excited to plan North American tour appearances for this truely special ensemble for the 2026-2027 season and beyond.

Key Venues:

• Carnegie Hall Citywide / NYC
• Universidad de los Andes / Bogota

Key Media:

• Radio Nacional de Colombia / Bogota