What are ICTMD Talks?

The ICTMD Talks are a series of lectures exploring six different musical traditions and the cultures from which they originate. Each of the six annual sessions focuses on a distinct style of music, its repertoire, and the regions associated with it.

The ICTMD Talks are presented by experts from the arts, academia, or passionate enthusiasts of the specific music genre in question. The aim is to bring together a variety of perspectives to discuss music in the world, touching on performance contexts, the conditions under which these musical traditions have thrived, and the historical events that have shaped their evolution.

In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, participants will gather in the lounge of Espace Buen Vivir in Ixelles to engage in discussions with the presenter after each session.

Exploring the Roots of Congolese Rumba with Pytshens Kambilo

Born in a country with over 250 ethnic groups, Congolese rumba has drawn from multiple sources of inspiration, securing its place in the global music scene.

After delving deep into the archives of traditional music, Pytshens Kambilo uncovered a treasure trove of rhythms, melodies, and harmonies, enabling him to reconstruct a vital chapter in the history of rumba. The musicians, each bringing their unique ethnic backgrounds, have infused their identities into the rumba, playing modern instruments. Yet, the melodies remain deeply rooted in traditional tunes, which we will rediscover together. This music, shaped by the dark period of the Atlantic slave trade, traces its journey from the Matanzas forest in Cuba to Kinshasa, DR Congo.

Pytshens Kambilo, a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, was born in Kinshasa in 1977. With four solo albums to his name and numerous collaborations with artists from various backgrounds, he dedicates himself to teaching and transcribing Congolese music. In Kinshasa, he founded Lindanda (meaning guitar in Lingala), a festival that celebrates musicians, particularly guitarists.

The session will be held in French.

Organized by: Muziekpublique & ICTMD Belgium

Agenda ICTMD Talks 2024 – 2025

• 10/10/24: Tristan Driessens – La musique savante ottomane (en français, néerlandais et anglais)
• 21/11/24: Pytshens Kambilo – La musique traditionnelle dans la rumba congolaise (en français)
• 23/01/25: Uma Ramakrishnan – Musique carnatique de l’Inde du Sud (en anglais)
• 13/02/25: Cassandre Balosso-Bardin – Culture de la cornemuse en Espagne (en anglais et en français)
• 20/03/25 : Everton Firmeza – Introduction à la musique au Brésil  (en français et en anglais)
• 10/04/25 : Aurélie Giet – Les danses traditionnelles en Wallonie (en français et en anglais)

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