Point Cook performer King Bell shares a joy through his music despite personal pain.
Born in the Congo to parents from Angola, he’s an exile from his African homeland and only returned there last month after 33 years.
“The poverty was unbelievable, but they dance, they sing, they enjoy – these people know how to live,” he says.
The singer, percussionist and dancer – who is performing in Werribee zoo’s Rhythm of Africa series – imbues his performances with band Soukous Ba Congo with this love of life.
Bell moved from the Congo to Angola only to face forced conscription into the national army, despite being a member of the National Ballet of Angola.
He fled to Brazil from Angola in the late 1980s and was offered asylum elsewhere.
“The UN [United Nations] told me I would go to Australia, but I thought they meant Austria. I’m so glad I was wrong,” Bell says.
Since arriving in Australia he has appeared at WOMADelaide, the Port Fairy and Queenscliff music festivals, and he won the 2003 Boite Australian World Music Act with his band.
Rhythm of Africa is on the next two Saturdays, from 4.30-9pm.
