Kangaroo Dance

In Congo's Lingala language the term nzong-nzing (or zong-zing) refers to any kind of additional work activity. In musical terms it usually means an impromptu live performance or recording by musicians working outside of their regular group – often without the approval of the group's leader. Zong Zing All Stars comprises several London-based Congolese musicians, who for some time have been working together as a regular group. They are led by guitarist Fiston Lusambo who first arrived in the UK in the early 90s while performing as part of Samba Mapangala's Orchestre Virunga Most of the music and arrangements on this album come from Lusambo and his exemplary guitar work is evident throughout.

It is a varied collection of modern Congolese styles that includes rumba, soukous and mutuashi, plus some general Afro-pop with French and English lyrics. They are vocally strong, particularly with singer Nzaya Nzayadio who is a former member of Choc Stars and Lipua-Lipua. He reprises the hit ‘Matoba’, which he originally performed with Lipua-Lipua in the mid-70s. Zong Zing All Stars have created some of their own dance moves, notably the ‘kangaroo’ which is fun and simple to pick up -ideal for an international audience. Strong production and a good selection of musical styles.