As you may have gathered, I am quite a fan of modern traditional music styles, and not just the ones from Mali, but certainly also the many different and at times distinct styles from Congo. I like bands like Konono No.1, the Kasai All-Stars and such (although they have a tendency to get a little less unpretentious with their exposure to western audiences), but I am convinced there are many more established local heroes that have remained undiscovered by western explorers.
About a year ago I dedicated a post to one of these, Debonheur, a strong defender of his Kikongo roots. Roots which he shares with this wonderful artist: the (self proclaimed?) Grand Maître Makengo Makape and his orchestre Yamba Yamba Beto-Ba.
If, like me, you are in need of a shot of musical 'pep' in these hectic pre-Christmas weeks, I advise you to shove this in your mp3 player. Nearly 45 minutes of pure guitar-propelled energy of the type that you will find very hard to resist!
Gd Maitre Makape et l'orch. Yamba Yamba Beto-Ba (cass.)
WARNING: do not play this music when driving on wintry roads!
This sounds really interesting sir. Its funny that you mention Konono no1 in this post - hearing the song "Debonheur wele" I am reminded of a song from the Congotronics 2 - "Kiwembo" by Sobanza Mimanisa. Check it out here, http://www.divshare.com/download/9640867-851. Is there some connection here maybe?
ReplyDeleteOkay! Been meaning to find out more about Yamba Yamba since Matt LaVoie at VOA posted a couple of tracks by them. That post is here: http://author.voanews.com/english/africa/blog/index.cfm?mode=cat&catid=307751FF-0215-F296-58BF272BC63691F8
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing this, and since snow is forecast for Chicago tonight, I also appreciate the caveat, even though that probably won't stop me from listening to this on the way to work!
J'adore... Merci
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this album. The music seems to have a bit of "Ziglibithy" rhythmn (from the Ivory Coast) but at times in Africa, it's hard to say who's influenced whom :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent!!! Merci.
ReplyDeletecan u please add some more nigerian music u ar doind a fine job on this blogspot
ReplyDeleteCongo's best kept secret! I found their Musiques Traditionnelles Bantandu LP very cheap on eBay shortly after reading about them at VOA African Music Treasures and can't stop listening to it. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeletethanks for the masterpieces ! I can't stop playing Kanté Manfla :)
ReplyDeleteexcellent! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteP.S: I will follow the warning :P