Les Belgicains – Na Tango Ya Covadia 1964-70

When Nikiforos Cavvadias arrived in Belgium in the early 60s he was already a famed producer, having run the Ngoma label in Léopoldville, Congo (today Kinshasa) and launched the careers of artists such as Wendo Kolosoy. Looking to repeat his success in Europe he set up the Covadia label and began looking for African musicians who had also migrated to Belgium – Les Belgicains, as they became known. He found them among Congolese students at Belgian universities who had started amateur dance bands. A dozen of Cavvadias’ recordings between 1964 and 70 appear on this intriguing compilation. Highlights include Carlos Lembe’s ‘Gozalo Mulata’ which borrows the rhythm of Tito Puente’s ‘Oye Como Va’, three lilting tracks by Orchestre Afro Negro and the gorgeous ‘Mathinda’ by Orchestre Yéyé National. A few went on to become professional, including Jean-Pierre Nimy Nzonga, founder of Yéyé National. Rather more became diplomats, politicians and business leaders in the post-colonial republic. The music they made isn’t the slickest Congolese rumba you’ve ever heard – but all of these tracks have an undeniable period charm.