Kunde (BE)

Kunde (Ku:ndeɪ) aka Joram Kunde Boumkwo is a Belgian-Cameroonian rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist who blends hip hop with elements of contemporary jazz, P-funk and afrobeat. Growing up surrounded by his father’s Pan African polyrhythmic music and his own collection of nineties hip hop, he fell in love with beatboxing and beatmaking at the age of ten. Later, the Ghent-based artist worked his way up to the piano, the mic and the bass guitar. He is completely self-taught which adds to his unique sound, reminiscent of artists such as Anderson .Paak, Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, Fela Kuti, and Kendrick Lamar.

His debut album ‘Dandelion’ ,released on W.E.R.F. Records on February 9, 2024 is the focus of this evening. In this introspective concept album he uses storytelling, rap, spoken word, and field recordings from his Cameroonian journey to delve into the complexity of his Afropean identity, intergenerational trauma, toxic masculinity and neocolonialism. Kunde’s razor sharp and poignant narrations are counterbalanced by soothing and soulful sonic textures. Much like his previous instrumental album ‘Meanwhile’ (San-Kofa Rhythm Records, 2021) and his EP ‘From Roots to Fruits’ (Mellow Minds, 2018) he harmoniously intersects different musical genres into a groovy and colorful whole.
He recently expanded his solo project to an electrifying live band experience with Léa Kadian (bass), Creo Cristoria (saxophone), Jérôme Pringiers (keys) and Simon Derover (drums). His energetic concerts truly are a sight to see!

Support act: Deadbeat Larry