About this event

Kilengi Dance Party is coming back to The Jam Jar this May! And what better way to kick off your bank holiday weekend than at Bristol's newest global bass party?

Curated by DJ, bassist and producer Marla Kether, Kilengi is a celebration of dance music from the afrodiaspora. Expect Afro House, Baile Funk, Dembow, Amapaino, Kuduro, GQOM, Bubbling, Bouyon and much more. The event will be part of DIASPORA!, the landmark, not-for-profit festival celebrating cultural diversity through the arts. Developed, produced and presented by the Diverse Artists Network, the festival will run from 1-10 May, platforming and showcasing music, film, poetry, dance, and storytelling by artists from marginalised diasporas.

And now to meet the DJs:

- VIGILANTE -

VIGILANTE is a London born, Bristol-based DJ specialising in all things high-energy. From Percussive to Jungle, Amapiano to Grime, if it makes you want to throw up a gun finger, shake your hips, two-step like mad (or all the above simultaneously), VIGILANTE probably plays it.

A staple on community radio, VIGILANTE is a Foundation FM resident and has played on Voices Radio, Subtle Radio, Reprezent Radio and Rinse FM. She has also played at venues such as Lost Horizon, Document, Peckham Audio, Unit 58, and The Carpet Shop; and festivals, including Rototum with Sexy Lady Massive.

- JOSEPHINE GYASI -

Josephine Gyasi (pronounced JESS-ee) delivers percussive, instinct-led sets rooted in global rhythm and soulful expression. Drawing on her Ghanaian heritage, early years as a raver, and cultural organising experience, her sound bridges vibrant, high-energy moments with darker, driving textures - drawing on funky Afro rhythms across genres like Gqom, Gqom-tech, and tribal house. She crafts soundscapes that move between intensity and release, creating space for deep, collective connection and celebration. Alongside her DJ practice, Josephine is an active community builder, a Momentum resident, collaborates with Abantu on experience-led programming, and hosts Heal Good Music on Oroko Radio.

- MARLA KETHER -

Born in London to Congolese parents, Marla Kether is a bassist, producer and DJ. Since taking up DJing during lockdown in 2020 Marla has rapidly honed her craft. She’s been busy taking her high-energy sets around the world, securing bookings at Glastonbury, Shambala Festival, Little Simz’s Tate Modern Lates, and supporting Loyle Carner on his US tour in addition to playing in the band. 2025 saw Marla DJing at high-profile festivals, including Outlook, We Out Here and Down The Rabbit Hole to name a few. She has also contributed outstanding mixes for the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music, Crack Magazine, NTS and Selector Radio.

Entry requirements: 18+