José Louis And The Paradox Of Love by Pierre Kwenders

While you’d be hard-pressed to find a listener of Pierre Kwenders’ *José Louis and the Paradox of Love* completely fluent in all of the languages spoken therein—Lingala, French, English, Tshiluba, and Kikongo, to be specific—understanding every word of the project is hardly a barrier to entry. The Congolese Canadian singer, songwriter, DJ, and composer has made a career—both as founder of Montreal’s Moonshine collective and artist—of sharing all the sounds that inspire him, especially those originating within the African diaspora. Within *José Louis and the Paradox of Love*, that means unions of jazz, house, synth-pop, electro, and R&B. It also means conspicuous allusions to Afro-Latin rhythms and the work of coupé-décalé creator Douk Saga, as well as an homage to the man who’s had maybe had the biggest influence of all on Kwenders’ artistic journey: the king of Congolese rumba, Papa Wemba. Guest voices on the project include French vocalist SÔNGE, Congolese singer NGABO, and Montreal’s Africa Intshiyetu Choir (Kwenders himself was once a member), all of whom contribute to the overarching message, which is that the groove is the only universal language.

7 / 10

Pierre Kwenders has all the qualities of a truly great bandleader. José Louis and Paradox of Love is a multi-genre gem

8 / 10

Pierre Kwenders' 'José Louis and the Paradox of Love' is inventive and heartfelt. Kwenders isn't simply blazing a narrow trail but opening up a cosmos.