Pongo, the Angolan artist who made a name for herself on the Kuduro scene in 2008 by collaborating with Buraka Som Sistema on the track “Kalemba (Wegue Wegue)”, then under the stage name PongoLove, released her new single “Katana” in June 2024.
The song, which marks the singer’s return after the album “Sakidila” (released in 2022), stands out for its energy, a devilish freshness and above all for a personality that looks like it will transcend the live stage, showing Pongo’s ability to fuse traditional African sounds with modern elements of electronic music.
The single Katana
The single “Katana” is a reflection of Pongo’s strength and energy. The song combines raw rhythms with modern production, highlighting Pongo’s powerful presence. He intertwines commercial sounds with others less consumed by the general public with an enviable naturalness, thereby creating a sound as striking as it is catchy.
The lyrics, as in the non-romantic songs that were part of “Sakidila” and “Baia” (EP released in 2018), are another example of Pongo’s power and character as a performer, a testament to his growth as an artist and his commitment to his cultural roots.
Song credits
Producer
Koko
Composers
Aaron Komenski and Engracia Domingos da Silva (Pongo)
Synthesizer, programmer and drums
Aaron Komenski
Mastering Engineer
Dee Key Waddell
Sakidila, Pongo’s first LP
Since I have mentioned the album “Sakidila” twice, I take the opportunity to strongly recommend it from here, dedicating a few lines to it in passing. Released on CD and digitally in 2022 (let’s see if someone publishes it on vinyl and gives it to me one day), it established Pongo as one of the most dynamic voices of Kuduro. But it did not stop “only” there: the album is quite an experience, vibrant in its fusion of traditional African rhythms with modern elements of electronic and pop music, elegant, beautiful and danceable depending on the occasion.
On “Sakidila,” Pongo presented an eclectic mix of sounds that reflected both his Angolan roots and his experiences in Portugal. The songs on the album are a celebration of life, resilience, and joy. With clean, polished production and Pongo’s ability to innovate within the Kuduro genre, it’s impossible not to recommend it to anyone who considers themselves a music fan.
The album includes several songs that I would like to particularly recommend. In addition to Bruxos (which he sang on A COLORS SHOW), Doudou, the vigorous Bica Bidon (with Tica) and Hey Linda stand out, although I could add more that are also worth listening to. Each track offers a unique experience, maintaining a thematic coherence that reflects Pongo’s personality and style. The title track, “Sakidila”, is another one worth highlighting for its contagious intensity and positive message.
(Madrid, 1987) Novelist by vocation, SEO specialist by profession. Music lover, cinephile and reading lover, but in “amateur” mode.