Grupo Lokito fuse contemporary Congolese and Cuban music creating a modern day cocktail of two of the great world musics.

‘Grass roots music played with gusto. Live entertainment at its best.’ – Chilli Fiesta

ARTS COUNCIL TOURING GRANT AWARDED JANUARY 2024

The glorious melodious vocals of Congolese front men Eugene Makuta and Iddo Donnatell blend with soaring guitars courtesy of  guitarists Kenyan rising star Shama Shah and Congolese legend Ladi Mbala and the lilting keyboards of Latin piano player Sara McGuinness. All of this sits on top of the rhythmic powerhouse of Ernesto Marichales(drums), Emeris Solis (Congas) and Jimmy Martinez (Bass).

Since their formation in 2006 the band have gone from strength to strength, completing several UK tours and building a solid following. As if the groove weren’t enough, the band have developed a rapport with their audiences which gets everyone up on their feet. This was reflected in the band being names ‘Tropical Act of The Year 2017’ by the UK Lukas Awards.

When the occasion allows, the band expands to include the blistering horn section of Deanna Wilhelm (trumpet) Clare Hirst (sax) and Landy Díaz (trombone).

Grupo Lokito’s 2023 release ‘Bomoko’ (Togetherness) is out on Vinyl and for download from bandcamp.

Grupo Lokito write their own original tunes: stories of life ranging from love tales, reflections on the trials facing musicians trying to make a home away from home, the wisdom of the elders to the simple joy of dancing

Previous releases on bandcamp include:

Yoka! A stomping dance track from Grupo Lokito to lift your spirits. The track features the amazing guitar skills of the wonderful Kiamfu ‘ Burkina Faso’ Kasongo. A great summer anthem, you will dance!

¡Lo Que Pasó! A hot salsa tune with a Congolese flavour. The song is a taster of whats to come on the forthcoming album.

Bolingo Ya Londres is our third single, a song celebrating London life. It is an upbeat number in typical Congolese Rumba style, with a lyrical verse leading into a lively chorus before hitting the dancing part – the seben.

• Bomoko is a highly accomplished album that gives a great indication of Grupo Lokito’s joyous live performance. Martin Sinnock, Songlines April 2023
• ‘We were delighted to welcome Grupo Lokito to our festival in 2023. Not only are the band supremely talented with a perfect sound for our event, but their strong ties to the Congolese community in the UK meant we were able to cater to an audience that we may otherwise not have reached. We look forward to working with them again in the future.’ Africa Oyé, June 2023
• ‘The whole show was invigorating, blessed. It’s one thing to play ‘a lo Cubano’, and Very professional and friendly band. Great entertainers who engage the audience not just with their energetic music but also their personalities which shine from the stage. The dance moves mesmerising! An all-round fabulous show. Rory (Stage Manager) and Trish (Compère) Monument Stage – Nottingham Riverside Festival 2023
• ‘This is the 4th time we have booked Grupo Lokito and the professionalism and the performance were world class.’ – Focus Africa 10^th Anniversary Show, July 2023