By Janelle Nanos
“Coco Sukali has played around the whole city and along the East Coast, but he's home in Jamaica, Queens,” said Bradley Shope, director of the Folk Arts at the Council. “His music that's almost like pop, with elements of guitar, bass and drum, that's as interesting academically as it is for its unique sound.” Shope said the growing number of people in Queens who have become fans of Coco Sukali helped prompt the discussion. In it, Tchikounzi will share the history of the music, which originally derived from Cuban recordings that became popular in the Congo. Incorporating traditional rhythms and drums, the “Soukous,” or rumba style, was created, an up-beat dance style whose lyrics speak of love, politics, or social conditions. Tchikounzi's appearance is the latest installation of “Windows to the Arts,” an ambitious effort by the Council to spotlight the talents of local artists and musicians working in Queens. In a documentary-style setting, the speakers will have the opportunity to contextualize their work, filling in the details of their inspiration and influences. As an element of the Folk and Traditional Arts program at the Council, the new program also provides a glimpse into the various ethnic groups who co-exist throughout the borough, creating a Web-based library of talent that the Council hopes will translate into a stronger sense of neighborhood community. At the talk, the Council will also be celebrating the launch of its new print publication, “Urban Folk,” a journal of the arts throughout Queens. The talk and reception will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, at the Queens Borough Public Library in Corona. For more information, please call 718-647-3377, ext. 19.
