congo
Dr Nico Kasanda & Orchestra l’African Fiesta Sukisa – Munka
A neat, unexpected appearance of slack-key guitars in an African tune, this from Congolese bandleader Dr. Nico Kasanda and Orchestra l’African Fiesta Sukisa.
Pépé Kallé – Ami Ya Bomuana
Congolese soukous genius Pépé Kallé lays the rhythms in thick. Tight horns roving all up and down the production, deft guitars like a drunken centipede dancing on the fretboard, drums and drums and drums…
Tabu Ley Rochereau – Pesa Le Tout / Moto Akokana Nzambe Akosukisa / Fetiche / l’Age de l’Amour
RIP Congolese Rumba and soukous phenomenon Tabu Ley Rochereau, known to some as the ‘African Elvis,’ to others as ‘The Voice of Lightness.’ Here are four favorite tunes of his. Of the four I think ‘Fetiche’ and ‘l’Age de l’Amour’ are the most ‘Voice of Lightness’-y. Great horns throughout, and because it’s African it must necessarily be in some wise danceable.
Sam Mangwana – Suzanna Coulibaly
Encountering sweet surprises like this in my music in-box is the reason I constantly consume music. Sam Mangwana’s ‘Selica‘ is a personal favorite. This song is of an entirely different character, for day-dancing instead of night-dancing.
Kongo Retro Band 83 – Air Fluvial
A pedigree so difficult to track it’s best left to the original source. Here’s the accompanying copy from a favorite World Music source ‘Global Groovers’ on the subject of Kongo Retro Band 83:
Kongo Retro Band 83 is a group or was, existing from artists from different countrys. Grand Kalle and Adou Elenga from Zaïre, ( Congo and Zaïre were seperated ) Manuel d’Oliveira & Les San-Salvador from Angola and Les Bantous et Guy Léon Fylla from Congo. The vocal parts are taken care of by Lutumba, ( is it ‘le Poete Simaro’ ? ) Elba and Diasi. Many names of which I know little, if anyone can enlighten us ? I do know this is a beautiful album, get it while you can.
Make sense? Me neither. Click play and you won’t care.
Download this tune free with other Congolese classics here.
Orchestre Veve – Baluti 1 & 2
Congolese soukous pioneer Verckys Kiamuangana Mateta’s project after leaving TPOK Jazz, Orchestre Veve. Guitars so light they ring like bells atop a hypnotic, hip-shaking rhythm. Virtuoso solo performances abound.
Dr. Nico Kasanda & African Fiesta Sukisa – Olga
Dr. Nico Kasanda & African Fiesta Sukisa, before Kasanda’s departure from the music scene. A cheerful entry in a habitually upbeat field of musical endeavor.
Tabu Ley Rochereau & l’African Fiesta National – Kashama Nkoy
Let All-Africa Soukous Grand-Champion Tabu Ley Rochereau & l’African Fiesta National occupy the next four minutes of your life with a pan-Atlantic, pan-African groove full of the bird-calls of Dr. Nico Kasanda’s guitar (himself an influence on Jimi Hendrix), hot horns, and the rhythmic vocal of Rochereau.
Orchestre Kiam – Muana Kiam
Truly spectacular guitar playing in this track from Congo’s Orchestre Kiam, part of Verckys Kiamuangana’s stable of musical acts.
Orchestre Kiam – Editions Vévé, African 360.062, 1975
A Biscuit In The Sun 