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LISTEN: Damon Albarn’s Congo Benefit Album

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Last month, Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn headed to the Democratic Republic of Congo with Richard Russell of indie label XL, Dan the Automator, and others to record an album with more than 50 local musicians. The set was produced during 5 marathon days in the capital Kinshasa, with the goal of creating a record to raise awareness for the politically ravaged nation.

Now, Albarn has announced the release date for the set, which will raise money forOxfam, the international aid organization. Kinshasa One Two will hit digitally on October 4 and physically on November 8.

In advance of the release, Albarn has posted three tracks from those sessions, which you can hear below. Lead track “Hallo,” featuring Congolese musicians Tout Puissant Mukalo and Nelly Liyemge, offers a good taste of what to expect: It’s a five-minute reggae-fied jam that fuses African pop styles with futuristic synths and beats. DRC Music have also posted a trailer, which shows behind-the-scenes footage of Albarn and Co. recording. Check it out below.For more information about Kinshasa One Two, head to DRC Music’s official site.

Hear It: DRC Music, “Hallo”

Hear It: DRC Music, “Ah Congo”

Hear It: DRC Music, “If You Wish to Stay Awake”

Watch It: DRC Music, Kinshasa One Two Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/a2nZ4zOJ_Ig