KINARMONIK LABEL
PRODUCTION
In the sonic depths of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the heartbeats still resonate with ancestral drums and haunting melodies, a new symphony emerges. Kinarmonik Production, our music label, ventures into this vibrant universe to discover, promote and support artists who, far from simply preserving the musical traditions of the DRC, dare to explore new sonic frontiers.
We are not just a label. We are the catalysts of effervescent creativity, the accompanists of talents who, while drawing on the deep roots of Congolese culture, embark on the quest for new musical expressions. Our mission is to encourage these artists to push the boundaries, to innovate and to offer music that reflects both the richness of the past and the audacity of the present.
At Kinarmonik Production, we believe that traditional music is not only to be preserved, but also to be reinvented. It is a living language that evolves over time, and our artists embody this evolution. Their art is not limited to a simple performance; it is an exploration, a sonic journey that mixes emotion, innovation and heritage.
By collaborating with Kinarmonik Production, artists find a space where their creativity is not only cherished, but also stimulated. We accompany them at every step of their journey, from production to promotion, providing them with the tools necessary to transcend norms and make their unique voice heard.
Together, let us open new paths, redefine rhythms and continue to make the world resonate with the bold echoes of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
ARTISTS
YOTSI
Yotsi, a band straight from Kinshasa, is making its mark on the Congolese music scene with a unique identity. Made up of two female and two male musicians, this quartet stands out with its egalitarian approach and overflowing creativity. Contrary to the usual patterns
traditional, there is no leader in Yotsi. Each member contributes, both in the composition and in the writing of the lyrics, all done in-house. It is this collective dynamic that gives their music this richness and diversity.
Their sound is a fascinating melting pot where traditional rhythms from the DRC, such as mutuachi or ndombolo, mix with current trends such as rap, afrobeat or folk. Yotsi does not just take up the codes of the past, they reinvent them
with a decidedly modern touch.
Their songs, sung in Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Kikongo, bear witness to their desire to transcend linguistic boundaries and
cultural.
What is striking about Yotsi is their refusal to confine themselves to a single style. Their music is as varied as their influences, going from a piece with rock sounds to another anchored in the mythical seben of Congolese rumba. This freedom of tone and experimentation is
at the heart of their approach. For them, creation has no limits, and this philosophy is reflected in each of their titles.
Their lyrics, exclusively in Congolese languages, explore themes of life, love, struggle, and hope. In their debut album, “Maisha” – which means “life” in Swahili – each song tells a story, a fragment of life that resonates deeply
with their audience. Yotsi strives to paint sound pictures that reflect the realities of Congolese society, while denouncing living conditions. Their choice to sing in different local languages is not only a tribute to the linguistic richness of the
country, it is also a clear desire to address all Congolese, beyond Kinshasa. This sensitive and committed approach shows their desire to reach every corner of the country, to give a voice to those who need it most, while leaving room for imagination and
on reflection
Tychick, the guitarist, is a sensation in Kinshasa. With his sharp rock style, he injects raw energy into Yotsi's compositions, breathing a wind of electricity that shakes up traditions.
Linda , the group's singer, has a powerful, vibrant voice, capable of conveying pure emotion without ever forcing the point.
Leah , on bass, weaves lines that groove and give depth to the whole, while Jephte , on drums, sculpts percussive rhythms, always on the edge between tradition and innovation.
With their unclassifiable sound and their refusal to be pigeonholed, Yotsi is forging their own path, a path that could well take them far. By drawing on traditions while reinventing them, they are making Congolese music a territory
of experimentation without borders. Yotsi, this rising star of Kinshasa, is ready to shine well beyond borders.
MAISHA ALBUM - YOTSI
Like the Congo River, Maisha crosses the regions of this great country that is the DRC!
Like Tuimbe , their first single, where Mutuashi, the ancestral rhythm of Kasai, merges with the turbulence of Afro beat brought by Christine Roch's sax!
Maisha (“Life” in Swahili), is an album of 12 tracks, 10 of which are enriched by the collaboration of artists from varied musical and geographical backgrounds: from the violins of Anne Gouverneur to the Hawaiian guitars of Delphine Ellis or the rock of Yarol Poupaud, it is a global musical patchwork!
The album also covers many linguistic areas with songs in Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Kimongo or Kirega, giving voice to forgotten peoples and speaking to everyone!
Maisha transcends musical and linguistic boundaries to offer a sonic experience as rich as it is varied. Recorded at Studio Kinarmonik in Kinshasa, mixed in Paris by Yarol Poupaud and in Macedonia by Toni Kitanovski, then mastered in Los Angeles, in Mario Caldato's famous MCJ studio (known for his work with the Beastie Boys and Björk),