Tabu Ley Rochereau: Zaiko Langa Langa Mentor
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Tabu Ley Rochereau is one of the pioneers of modern Congolese music known as "Rumba Congolaise" but which has rather confusingly been mis-named "The Soukous" in the West.
This music is a popular dance style from Congo/Zaire that has made him (Tabu ley) one of the biggest musical attractions in Africa and in the French-speaking world.
With roots in the rhythms of Cuban rumba and traditional African songs, Tabu Ley's compositions meld up-to-the-minute grooves with breathtaking harmony vocals and the soaring lead guitar.
The shifting polyrhythms and textures make for exciting listening as well as dancing.
Tabu Ley invariably gave unstinctingly of his support by mentoring the then newly created Zaiko Langa Langa and provided support and advice whenever required.
Photo Philip Gould for BEE'S KNEES Production |
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Modern Congolese Music
Joseph Kabassele (aka "Grand Kalle") is considered has the father of the modern Congolese music for creating the first modern band l'African Jazz in 1953 in Leopoldville, now Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo.
In 1958, Grand Kalle recruited the young Rochereau, who about ten years later, will make his own band Afrisa International after a short spell in African Fiesta alongside his friend Nico kasanda. Rochereau will brillantly represent Grand Kalle school in its long run competition against Franco school. Definitely Tabu Ley and Franco, are the most important authors/composers of all the Congolese music repertoire. With a career spaning around 33 years, more than 200 songs with about 50 hits, the late Franco made OK Jazz one of the most popular group in Africa. |
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