The Voice of Lightness Vol 2: Congo Classics 1977-1993

The second two-disc volume of the definitive career overview of Tabu Ley Rochereau picks up the Congo’s greatest vocalist at an artistic peak in 1977. Zaire’s president Mobutu had appointed him as the leader of ONAZA (Orchestre National du Zaire). But by the early 90s Zaire had fallen into economic meltdown at the hands of Mobutu’s tyranny and Rochereau, like many Congolese musicians, had distanced himself from the failing leadership. This collection ends in 1993 with the singer based in Paris, exiled from his country of birth, but still making fine music.

During the period covered by this collection Rochereau’s music can best be described as progressive rumba. He has always been the most creative of the old– school Congolese bandleaders, never hesitant to incorporate stylistic influences from other cultures – not always with perfect results. And yet the tracks selected for this collection are of a uniformly high standard, with tasteful instrumentation and sublime vocal performances. These are articulate and melodic vocal rumbas which switch midway into exciting but subdued instrumental dance sections. When one of Rochereau’s Afrisa guitarists (more often than not, it’s Dino Vangu on these tracks) takes off on a solo, there’s a gentle and supremely tuneful quality. The guitars and saxophone (mostly played by Mekanisi Modero) weave in and out of each other delightfully whilst a bass guitar bubbles against a constant shuffle from the snare drum.

There are some collaborations worthy of note. On the 1980 track ‘Ohambe’, Rochereau is reunited with former African Jazz and African Fiesta guitarist Docteur Nico. Also noteworthy are a couple of 1983 tracks in which he performs with his arch¬rival bandleader Franco. Whilst these are outstanding, there is virtually nothing here that is less than wonderful.