Congo Beat The Drum: a new documentary by Fortuna Records co-founder Kalbata

congo

Tel Aviv-based producer, film-maker and one quarter of Fortuna Records, Ariel Tagar, aka Kalbata, has just released his first documentary, Congo Beat The Drum. It’s a brilliant watch and documents his and fellow producer Mixmonster‘s journey to Jamaica in 2012, to record an album with reggae legends of yore. Anyone who knows Kalbata personally, knows how eternally fascinated he is by music from around the world. Devoted to uncovering forgotten musical gems and honouring the legendary artists who continue to influence his own productions.

The humorous film, all shot by Ariel himself, which screened at international film festivals around the world, follows the two musicians as they go from their basement studio in Tel Aviv to the Kingston ghettos, looking for their favourite singers of days gone by. In Jamaica, they encounter a strange, often challenging culture while trying to achieve their goal. It’s a unique musical journey into the forgotten corners of reggae of the seventies and eighties, and a rare glimpse into the smoky, dusty world of Rub-a-Dub and its past champions.

During their journey they record with legends Mutabaruka, Jah Thomas, Trinity, U Roy, Tullo T, Major Mackerel, Ninja Man, Little John, Puddy Roots and many more. The result was their 11-track album Congo Beat The Drum released on Society of Sound, with a remix from Kahn.

Watch the film in full below.

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