The Kultimangoes

Formed in 2012 by Gustav Rasmussen and Michael Blicher, The KutiMangoes respectfully took West African music and fused it with their own western musical backgrounds to create a new sound. From the beginning the band’s goal was not trying to play or sound like African musicians (how could they?) but all about mixing cultures to create a new, global expression.

Their debut “Afro-Fire” (2014) was nominated for 5 Danish Grammy Awards, winning “Best World Music Album” and “Best World Music Track”. Following the release the band toured extensively in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In November ’16 “Made in Africa” was released, recorded partly in Burkina Faso and Mali. It presents compositions based on traditional folk songs as well as completely original material and has received critical acclaim and features on radio stations worldwide (RFI, BBC, WDR, WNYU). Documentary filmmaker Anders S. Jepsen joined The Kutimangoes on their trip and will premiere his film about the African exchanges “Bamako Play” in April ’17.

“Our mission is not to be musical anthropologists, but to create music together, to share music and unite people through music” – says Gustav Rasmussen and continues “This is one of the reasons we fell in love with African music long, long ago – for its ability to unite the body, the heart and the ear, and for its tradition that unites everyone that takes part.” Michael Blicher adds: “When we are touring we make a point of reaching out to people that do not usually experience live music. So when we have a morning off we play a concert at for instance a building site or a duck farm – it’s our way of sharing the music.”

The KutiMangoes have previously performed at Reeperbahn Festival (DE), Jarasum Int. Jazz Festival (S. Korea), Copenhagen Jazz Festival (DK), Jazz à Ouaga (BF), OCT-Loft Festival (C), Reykjavik Jazz Festival (I), Jazzy Koun Ben (Mali), Funkhaus Europa Silvesterparty (DE) and others.

Michael Blicher // saxophones and flute
Gustav Rasmussen // trombones and guitar
Aske Drasbæk // saxophones
Johannes Buhl Andresen // fender rhodes and moog bass
Casper Mikkelsen/Eddi Jarl // drums
Magnus Lindgaard Jochumsen // percussion