Headfirst Editor's Pick
"Hi-NRG dance-positivity from Saffron Records sensation Marla Kether. Inviting Leeds’ Coco Bops and Kojo Ajala to explore the Afro-diasporia on an ecstatic dancefloor with wile-out rhythms in the dancehall/amapiano/UKF/global bass continuum."
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A clubnight held at The Jam Jar on Friday 12th September. The event starts at 23:00.
Kilengi Dance Party is BACK!
After another sold out night back in March, we're back for another instalment of Bristol's new favourite global bass party.
Curated by DJ, bassist and producer Marla Kether, Kilengi is a celebration of dance music from the afrodiaspora - expect fresh selections from the Caribbean, South America, the UK, Lisbon and beyond.
FOR LOVERS OF: Dancehall - Garage - 140 - Afro House - Baile Funk - Dembow - Afrobeats - Kuduro - Global Bass
‘Kilengi’ means ‘Joy’ in Koutouba, one of the languages native to Congo; it’s a Dance Party guarantee that a night shaking ass with us will leave you feeling euphoric, revitalised and a lil bit sweaty. All we ask for in exchange is that you be respectful of other party goers - we want this to be a safe space for everyone!
Now without further ado, meet the DJs:
- MARLA KETHER -
Born in London to Congolese parents, Marla Kether is the founder of Kilengi Dance Party. She's a DJ, producer and bassist for Little Simz. Since taking up DJing during Lockdown in 2020, Marla has rapidly honed her craft. She’s been busy taking her high-energy sets around the world, securing bookings at Glastonbury, Latitude, Outlook, and supporting Loyle Carner on his US tour (in addition to playing in the band). She has also contributed outstanding mixes for the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music, Crack Magazine, NTS and Selector Radio.
The different strands of Marla's musical career are almost as diverse as her excellent selections, which commonly feature a bass-led blend of Kuduro, Dembow and Afro House, as well as a fresh selection of Global Bass.
- COCO BOPS -
COCO BOPS is a versatile DJ, performer, and curator who’s been kicking up a storm in Leeds for nearly 3 years. The founder of GBOSA, a party for PoC people and pals, she’s been able to add to the growing global bass scene in the city. As a DJ, she’s plays truly across genres but all her sets are guaranteed to be lively bassy and fun. She’s had the honour of supporting names like Lady Shaka, Kilimanjaro, Blck Mamba & Farsight just to name a few. You can expect fun edits and tunes that will get you dancing.
- KOJO AJALA -
When it comes to the dance, Kofo’s main goal has always been to get the people moving: This radio host and DJ has opened for some of Bristol’s biggest collectives and across venues like Jam Jar, Trinity and St Paul’s Carnival.
She’s graced the stage with heavy hitters, Booty Bass and Peachin’, warming up the dance-floor with a blend of Afrobeats, Garage, Amapiano and dance remixes. And when she’s not doing that she can be found winding down on her Noods Radio residency with compilations of Neo Soul and Afrobeats.
Entry requirements: 18+
After another sold out night back in March, we're back for another instalment of Bristol's new favourite global bass party.
Curated by DJ, bassist and producer Marla Kether, Kilengi is a celebration of dance music from the afrodiaspora - expect fresh selections from the Caribbean, South America, the UK, Lisbon and beyond.
FOR LOVERS OF: Dancehall - Garage - 140 - Afro House - Baile Funk - Dembow - Afrobeats - Kuduro - Global Bass
‘Kilengi’ means ‘Joy’ in Koutouba, one of the languages native to Congo; it’s a Dance Party guarantee that a night shaking ass with us will leave you feeling euphoric, revitalised and a lil bit sweaty. All we ask for in exchange is that you be respectful of other party goers - we want this to be a safe space for everyone!
Now without further ado, meet the DJs:
- MARLA KETHER -
Born in London to Congolese parents, Marla Kether is the founder of Kilengi Dance Party. She's a DJ, producer and bassist for Little Simz. Since taking up DJing during Lockdown in 2020, Marla has rapidly honed her craft. She’s been busy taking her high-energy sets around the world, securing bookings at Glastonbury, Latitude, Outlook, and supporting Loyle Carner on his US tour (in addition to playing in the band). She has also contributed outstanding mixes for the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music, Crack Magazine, NTS and Selector Radio.
The different strands of Marla's musical career are almost as diverse as her excellent selections, which commonly feature a bass-led blend of Kuduro, Dembow and Afro House, as well as a fresh selection of Global Bass.
- COCO BOPS -
COCO BOPS is a versatile DJ, performer, and curator who’s been kicking up a storm in Leeds for nearly 3 years. The founder of GBOSA, a party for PoC people and pals, she’s been able to add to the growing global bass scene in the city. As a DJ, she’s plays truly across genres but all her sets are guaranteed to be lively bassy and fun. She’s had the honour of supporting names like Lady Shaka, Kilimanjaro, Blck Mamba & Farsight just to name a few. You can expect fun edits and tunes that will get you dancing.
- KOJO AJALA -
When it comes to the dance, Kofo’s main goal has always been to get the people moving: This radio host and DJ has opened for some of Bristol’s biggest collectives and across venues like Jam Jar, Trinity and St Paul’s Carnival.
She’s graced the stage with heavy hitters, Booty Bass and Peachin’, warming up the dance-floor with a blend of Afrobeats, Garage, Amapiano and dance remixes. And when she’s not doing that she can be found winding down on her Noods Radio residency with compilations of Neo Soul and Afrobeats.
Entry requirements: 18+
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