Bru-Kin, the Brussels-based duo merging Congolese rhythms with contemporary urban production, presents “Matongé (Porte de Namur),” a sonic homage to Brussels’ vibrant African quarter. Inspired by the bustling Matongé district, the track pulses with shimmering soukous guitar, driving basslines, and intricate percussion, capturing the kinetic energy of its namesake. The layered arrangement fuses traditional Congolese traditional dance rhythms with urban grooves, reflecting the district’s cultural dynamism while crafting a sound both rooted and forward-looking.

The duo—Sylvie Nawasadio, a Congolese-Belgian singer with a background in Zap Mama, and Bart Petitjean, a Belgian multi-instrumentalist and producer—builds on a foundation of Afro-pop, highlife, and soukous, integrating electronic textures, dub-influenced bass, and subtle house elements. Sylvie’s commanding, expressive vocals glide over Bart’s intricate instrumentation, blending organic and digital soundscapes. Their approach emphasises rhythmic complexity and melodic fluidity, resulting in a production that is both richly layered and immediately danceable.

By channeling the spirit of Matongé’s streets into a vibrant, contemporary sound, Bru-Kin bridges African musical heritage with European club culture, crafting an infectious track that celebrates identity and movement.