Album Notes

Wawali Bonane's musical talents have lead him from his home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, (former Zaire), to acclaim on stages around the globe. Born in Bandudu, the Northeast region of DRC, Wawali the crooner learned his art through experience with soukous masters such as Tabu Ley Rochereau, Pepe Kalle, and Franco.

Bonane left Afrisa International in the 90's for the United States. In short time, he and Afrisa peers Nseka Bimwela a.k.a. Huit "wee" Kilos and Getry Mavambu (percussion) formed Yoka Enzeze "Listen to This". The group was quickly welcomed into the Northwest festival circuit and featured at the region's top events including Bumbershoot, Folklife, and Peter Gabrielle's WOMAD. Later, the band added young Congolese talents Hussein Kalonji a.k.a. "Tchenni Tchenni" (Rhythm guitar), Isaac Diallo (Drums), and Mbuta Mayamba Mayinga (Bass).

Wawali Bonane & Yoka Enzenze are Seattle-based artists whose performance packs a charged dance punch. The band's top track "Miss Kukele" starts with a slow rumba, almost a ballad, and grooves into the "sebene", or fast-paced, hip-twitching rhythm for which Yoka Enzenze is known. Those who follow Bonane in concert look forward to his music and dancing, where in performance he encourages the audience to 'Shake It!' with his own athletic soukous moves.