Ukandanz, Hakumba
The French-ethiopian Ukandanz and the Hungarian, but internationally active Hakumba are two bands that are very much alike, even if their musical foundations are slightly different. On one night, one after the other, they are guaranteed to heat up the room with their energising songs and magnetic stage presence.
As a prelude, during the intermission between concerts and after the concerts, Cyborg Templar and Tibsã, hosts of the radiocafé's Conga Heaven, Bongo Hell! show, spin records in the Music House lobby. The set will feature music from a wide variety of ethnic groups around the world, from roots to today's hybrid dance music.
Schedule
◖ Ukandanz ◗
Founded in Lyon in 2006, the French-Ethiopian quintet Ukandanz play what they describe as "Ethiopian crunch music", which could be described as a fierce, high-energy, unique blend of ethnojazz-noise rock, with melodies inspired by Ethiopian traditional music and pop influences.
Frontman Asnake Guebreyes' earnest vocals and a very lively ensemble sound are combined in their songs with often danceable, sometimes dissonant, but always rhythmic arrangements. Tenor saxophonist Lionel Martin provides the jazzy elements, while Damien Cluzel brings his own stylistic touches with his guitar and bass. Keyboardist Fred Escouffier and drummer Thomas Pierre add to the funky influences.
Having released their debut album (Yetchalal) in 2012, the group will be coming to the House of Music with four more albums to come.
◖ Hakumba ◗
Hakumba is a music collective with roots in Szentes, based in Budapest since 2022. Their music is jazz combined with world music, played by guitars, keyboards, vocals, percussion and a four-piece wind section. For years they have focused exclusively on live music, spreading the word as regular performers at many clubs and festivals in the countryside and the capital. In December 2022, they recorded their first full-length album (It was an accident, not on purpose), followed by two singles and an EP in 2023.
House of Music Hungary
A music education centre and concert venue in the heart of the City Park, behind the airy futuristic glass facade of Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto.