SPAN Arts launches into a summer programme of international music with one of Africa's biggest star names at the Queen's Hall, Narberth, today (Friday). Kanda Bongo Man and his eight-piece band and dancers are sure to please all lovers of African dance grooves. Later this month, the Cuban bandleader Candido Fabre brings his Salsa orchestra to play at the Queen's Hall and American legend Richie Havens is planned for August. Permanence, stability and continuity are very rare commodities in Congo/Zaire/Democratic Republic of Congo; it all leaves people very little to cling on to, let alone dance about. That's why it is so good to have the chance to dance to Kanda Bongo Man, who is one of the all time greats of central African dance music, standing alongside Madilu, Papa Wemba and Franco. He earned his nickname from his drummer grandfather; his 1981 album 'Iloye' topped charts all over Africa and then worldwide, and he went on to release a string of classics on the Hannibal label, including 'Amour Fou' and 'Kwassa Kwassa', the latter named after a hip-grinding dance that Kanda Bongo Man invented. It is reassuring and heartening to see that Kanda Bongo Man is still strutting his stuff with his hi- octane unleaded soukous after a career spanning more than a quarter-of-a-century, with his super guitarists and dancers. DJ Shanna will support the band with worldwide dance floor hits to keep the dancing going 'til past midnight. Tickets are £12 from Span Arts on 01834 869323 and doors open 8 pm. Band on 9.30 pm.
