Kongos: A Musical Biography

If you're a fan of rock music, then you've surely come across the name Kongos. This four-piece band comprised of brothers Johnny, Jesse, Dylan, and Danny Kongos hail from South Africa and have taken the world by storm with their unique style of rock. With a cutting-edge sound that combines elements of indie rock, alternative rock, and world music, the band has been able to capture the hearts of music fans worldwide. But how did Kongos get their start, and what are some of their most famous albums and songs? In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the musical biography of Kongos, and explore the fascinating story behind their sound.

Kongos was formed in 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona, by the four Kongos brothers. Johnny Kongos serves as the group's frontman and lead vocalist, while Jesse Kongos plays guitar, Dylan Kongos is on bass, and Danny Kongos handles the drums. The band has released five studio albums to date, starting with Lunatic in 2012, which is widely considered their breakout album. The album features the hit single Come with Me Now, which topped the Billboard Alternative Rock chart and propelled Kongos to international fame.

Following the success of Lunatic, Kongos released Egomaniac in 2016, which debuted at number two on the Billboard Alternative Rock chart. The album features a more electronic sound than their previous work, and includes tracks like Take it From Me and I Don't Mind. In 2019, the band released 1929, Pt. 1, which is the first half of a two-part concept album. The album features thirteen tracks that explore the themes of nostalgia, regret, and hopelessness. Some of the standout tracks include Something New and Pay for the Weekend.

Kongos' musical style and influences are incredibly diverse, drawing from American rock, European folk, and African rhythms. The band has cited a wide range of influences, from Led Zeppelin and The Beatles to African artists like Fela Kuti and Ali Farka Toure. This blend of influences is evident in Kongos' music, which often features intricate percussion, soaring harmonies, and unexpected changes in tempo and instrumentation.

Among Kongos' most famous songs is Come with Me Now, which has been used in numerous film and television projects, including The Expendables 3 and The Blacklist. The song's driving beat and catchy hook have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike. Other notable songs in the band's discography include I Want to Know, Take It From Me, and Comeback Kid.

The musical biography of Kongos is one that spans a decade and covers a wide range of styles and influences. From their breakout album Lunatic to their most recent release 1929, Pt. 1, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what rock music can be. With their unique blend of musical styles and their infectious energy, Kongos has cemented their place in the world of rock music. Whether you're a fan of their early work or their more recent releases, there's no denying the impact that Kongos has had on the world of music. So if you're looking for something fresh and exciting in the world of rock, look no further than Kongos.