Nostalgique Kongo: Rumbas Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo & Douala 1950-1960

Congolese rumba can trace its history back to the ports along the great river separating Brazzaville and Kinshasa ’ the capital cities of the two Congos ’ that received cargo arriving from the Caribbean in the late 1930s. One of the imports being handled back then was Cuban rumba, recorded on 78rpm gramophone records and swapped by Cuban sailors with the Ivorian and Liberian porters. The gleeful, polyrhythmic sound grew in appeal throughout the region and beyond to become a syncretic genre, which is now recognised as one of the defining musical styles of Africa. This excellent 23-song anthology focuses on the golden years of the mid-20th century, when rumba legends turned out acoustic hits in the Bantu languages of Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo and Douala. Highlights include three charming classic Kinshasan rumbas from Wendo Kolosoy, considered one of the pioneering fathers of modern Congolese music. Also featured are a couple of interesting Cameroonian examples sung in Douala by Ebenie Ebongue Bollaga, as well as the Swahili ‘Mpenzi Tina’ from Kenyan duo Isaya Mwinamo & Tom Miti.

Comprehensive, well-written liner notes add to the appeal of this well-curated collection, which is a worthy addition to the library of any rumba aficionado.