Congolese live band Bana Capitale are embracing a new chapter with the release of their second EP, Recharge Carré, accompanied by a lively music video for the project’s lead track. The release marks a period of renewal for the group, which has rebuilt its lineup following a difficult moment in 2023.
Now based in Ivory Coast, Bana Capitale Orchestra International continues to celebrate Congolese musical heritage through a sound rooted in Congolese rumba, with influences from Konpa and Salsa. Their latest release captures the collective’s vibrant spirit, bringing together infectious rhythms, spirited vocals, and the kind of musical energy that has long defined their live performances.
The video for “Recharge Carré” offers a visual introduction to the band’s current identity. Featuring new faces and captivating choreography, the clip highlights the chemistry among the musicians and the celebratory atmosphere behind their music. Its lively presentation reflects a group determined to move forward while maintaining the character that makes its performances distinctive.
The release carries added significance given the challenges Bana Capitale faced in 2023, when a substantial number of members departed. Rather than bringing the group’s journey to an end, the period became a turning point. The band has since re-established itself with a 13-member lineup, using Recharge Carré to signal a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh start.
Bana Capitale’s musical approach draws on the traditions of Congolese rumba while embracing influences that give its sound a broader African and international reach. The group pays tribute to the genre’s celebrated figures while bringing its own energy to the style, creating music designed to connect with audiences both on record and on stage.
The current lineup reflects the scale of the band’s live sound, featuring four guitarists, a pianist, six singers and a rhythm section. This combination allows the musicians to build rich arrangements around interlocking guitars, layered vocals and dynamic percussion, maintaining the communal feel that sits at the heart of their performances.
The band’s influences include Congolese music icons Werrason, JB Mpiana, Fally Ipupa, Ferre Gola, Papa Wemba and Tabu Ley. Their legacy provides an important foundation for Bana Capitale’s musical identity, even as the group incorporates different sounds and performance styles into its own repertoire.
With Recharge Carré, Bana Capitale are not simply adding another project to their catalogue. The release represents their ability to regroup, adapt and continue creating after a period of uncertainty. The accompanying video reinforces that message by putting the band’s current members and collective energy at the centre of the story.
The “Recharge Carré” video is available now on YouTube, giving audiences a fresh look at the group’s renewed lineup and spirited approach to Congolese music. Through the EP and its lead visual, Bana Capitale are reaffirming their commitment to keeping their musical heritage alive while taking their sound to audiences around the world.
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