Put together the mysticism of India and the exuberance of Africa, add the vigor of European jazz and some seasoned talent. Then shake it all up and pour it onstage. What you get is The Afro Indian Swing Syndicate — music that’s uplifting, mood-enhancing, earthy yet modern. It appeals, it is fresh and it echoes its roots. Now quick and bouncy, now deep and meditative. Always smooth, a swan in flight and a James Bond cocktail at once.

The brainchild of three traveling musicians, The Syndicate was born when Kinobe (kora, voice), Pieter Lenaerts (contrabass) and Suchet Malhotra (tabla, percussion) began playing together in a folk music orchestra in Belgium. A coincidence carried further is destiny, and three years later, they met with Kinobe’s brother Sewagudde Richard (percussion) and childhood friend Ouma Michael (guitars) to create the ensemble as we know it today.

From the first jam it was evident that this was something special, and without further ado they recorded a demo in the studio of spunky Belgian bagpiper Remi Decker (Griff).

This project has been conceived and put together by the love and energy of the musicians and their friends, for everyone to enjoy.  Their dream is simple—to spread that love through music.

“Although they come from completely different backgrounds, cultures and continents, their music just seems to flow naturally. The intertwining of genres and instruments is not forced, it's just part of their world. Sounds like a good place to live.”
- Lot Vandekeybus, www.klara.be  

MEMBERS OF AFRO INDIAN SWING SYNDICATE

Kinobe Herbert is a leading ambassador for Ugandan and African culture. His numerous projects testify to his zeal and passion for music. He makes his own instruments, tours frequently and can be found anywhere in the world there is an airport. He recently released Soul Language, his debut CD (World Music Store, USA). On AISS, Kinobe plays kora, sings and plays percussion.

Pieter Lenaerts is a Belgian contrabassist with a passion for contemporary and world music. Highly educated in western music theory and tradition (he has a Masters in both Doublebass and Composition), he turned to other cultures, notably modern contrabass music and oriental traditions. He teaches, performs, and travels, seeking new musical horizons for himself and his Homolka (his favorite bass).

Suchet Malhotra is a student of three schools of tabla. During his teen years, he began to feel the limits of sound that one instrument has, and started to explore other percussion, first darbouka, then djembe, slowly building a synthesis of styles to develop one harmonious hand-drum language. Today, he works with music, theatre, film and therapy, travelling often to perform, teach, or just simply grow.

Ouma Michael is a guitarist/multi-instrumentalist from Uganda.  He met Kinobe in 1997 as a student, and since 2003 they have played together in countries throughout Europe and Africa.

Sewagudde Richard has been playing music with Kinobe since they were children, and they have been touring Europe together since 2003.  Sewagudde plays calabash, kalimba, endongo and adungu.

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