Ambiance Congo

Monday, February 16, 2009

Ambiance Congo for Sunday February 15, 2009

This edition, I played a lot of LPs from Zaiko family artists and groups, not Zaiko Langa Langa, but artists who worked with Zaiko Langa Langa or in groups that were related. There was of course a whole lot more...a little bit of Wenge, a killer track from Lutmba Simaro and others.
We experienced a few technical problems at the station and the program was not recorded properly so this post will be a special one and it will be a little different. I hope that you'll enjoy it.

The album covers shown here are from the LPs played on this afternoon's program. The tracklist follows and at the bottom of this page is a link to a zip file that contains the songs played from these albums. Songs on CDs played are not included and are listed in smaller type.

1)King Kester Emeneya
sebene from DORIS ILOKO (this program's theme song)
from the CD PAS DE CONTACT
Black Music

2)Benz-Petrole
L'HEURE DE VERITE
from the CD L'HEURE DE VERITE
Sun Records

3)Bozi Boziana & L'Anti-Choc
REGRESADO
from the CD MBANZI YA GAMUNDELE
Ets. Kaluila

4)Evoloko Joker
MATA MATA
from the LP FRANCO PRESENTE EVOLOKO JOKER
V.I.S.A. 1980

5)Monza 1er & Les Stars Magnats
FRIDA
from the LP MELINA
Rythmes Et Musique

6)Djo Nolo
AFO TSHAMBA
from the LP CHOC MUSIC
Rythmes Et Musique

7)Grand Zaiko avec Djo-El
MOBATI
from the LP CONSEIL PANU
Mayala Production

8)Le Commandant Dona Mobeti & Molokai Stars
KANTCHOUMEY
from the CD CHERIE KADETTI
Groupe Cavacha/Sonima Music

9)Jus D'Ete Molopwe
ESCALVE D'AMOUR *
from the CD ELUKA MAKAMBO
BJB Productions

10)La Zaikomania
WADENI
from the LP L'AMOUR DU TRAVAIL BIEN FAIT
Bono Music

11)Winan Mignon
AU REVOIR (VERSION LONGUE)
from the CD FEELING
Ngoyarto

12)Le Poete Lutumba Simaro et Le Tout Puissant O.K. Jazz
MANGASSA
from the LP COEUR ARTIFICIEL
African Sun Music

13)Vox Africa
MAKANISI
from the CD BOBENGA WEWANDO & CARLYTO LASSA
B-Mas Production

14)Tiers Monde *
ANITHA
from the CD BOWAYO & OMESONGO
Ngoyarto

*=by request

Here is the link to the songs from the featured LPs.
https://www.yousendit.com/download/U0d6c0w4TkxOMUNGa1E9PQ

Monday, February 2, 2009

Ambiance Congo for Sunday February 1, 2009

This edition, we'll listen to music from the 60s to today. Let's start off with two tracks from 1968. I also include this afternoon two requests that, coincidentally, refer to the influence that Congolese musicians have had on other people's music.

Here are a few of the LPs and CDs you can hear from on this program.

The program is available for download here:
https://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBUTmZjckl0d0YzZUE9PQ

This is the track list:
1)King Kester Emeneya
sebene from DORIS ILOKO (this program's theme song)
from the CD PAS DE CONTACT
Black Music
2)Franco & Le TP OK Jazz
ANNIE NGAI NALINGA
from the CD FRANCOPHONIC
Stern's Africa
3)Les Bantous De La Capitale
BOLINGO NAKOZONGA
from the LP ORCHESTRE LES BANTOUS DE LA CAPITALE
Fiesta
4)Ry-Co Jazz *
HISTOIRE D'AMOUR
from the CD BON VOYAGE!!
RetroAfric/Stern's Music
5)Jena Manda Ko
MAMA COYO PAS LA
from the LP LIKITA
Ets. K-Dance
6)Lea Lignanazi
NELUMTA *
from the LP EDDY GUSTAVE PRESENTE LEA LIGNANZI
Saxone Music
7)Diana & Les Bobongo Stars
SIM SENHORA
from the LP MARGUERIDA
Edition Man-Im
8)Johnny Bokelo
NGALULAWA WA MAMA
from the LP AU REVOIR 81
Shakara Music
9)Minzoto Wela Wela
MARIANA
from the LP GRAND MINZOTO WELA WELA
Rythmes Et Musique
10)Grand Zaiko "Bayaka"
REGINA
from the LP MENACE DE DIVORCE
Ets. Kaluila
11)Ricoco Bulambemba & Wenge Musica Aile Paris
VARIA TONDO
from the CD 4 SAISONS BOULE DE NEIGE
BBJ
12)Extra Musica Z1
ENVOYE SPECIAL
from the CD SUPER HELICO
Sipe Simon Music
13)Alpha Tshino
SIMBUMBU
from the CD CONTRE MUR
Goda Production
14)JDT Molopwe
PAPA GENTIL
from the CD MOLEKI NZELA
DRTV production
15)Titina Alcapone
CHEVAL BLANC
from the CD AFFAIRE A SUIVRE
Sound Africa
16)Werra Son & Wenge Maison Mere
TOTAL CONTINENTAL
from the CD TEMPS PRESENT MAYI YA SIKA VOL. 2
Duo D'Enfer
17)Didi Kalombo & Le Groupe Pleiade
AMOUR DELESTAGE
from the CD RIEN A VOIR
Badive Music

*=by request

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Cherie Kadetti

Dona Mobeti's new CD, CHERIE KADETTI, is one that I am enjoying a lot right now.

The new songs and remakes on the album, recorded with Papa Wemba and Nyboma on vocals, features a nice guitar sebenes by Diblo Dibala and Beniko Popolipo.

The title track is one of the remakes that really stands out for me. Although it is a remake, it has its own modern flavor and character. That does not mean it is full of mabanga! The animations are very well done and add to the danceability of the sebene.

This song was recorded by Dona Mobeti on a number of other occasions.

I include two others here for your comparison and enjoyment.

Song 01 in the set, which you may download from the link posted below, is the original recorded with his Orchestre Cavacha. I've pieced it together here from the two sides of the 45RPM single.

This song is from the 1970s and has all the charm and complexity you would expect of real Congolese classic.

Song 02 is from the late 1980s or early 1990s - I don't remember exactly- and again reflects the music of its era. There is a hint of disco-era influence as well as strong reflexions of the European Congo/soukous music scene on this one.

A real high point of this album is the guitar work provided by Roxy Tshipaka and Master Mwana Congo. Vocals are by Dona Mobeti, Yenga Yenga Junior and Abia Odette.

Download here:

https://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBTcmxTVnN0d0VLSkE9PQ

Which of the three is your favorite?

Monday, January 19, 2009

Ambiance Congo for January 18, 2009

Welcome to Ambiance Congo! Be sure that your volume is adjusted to the "high" position as we bring you two hours of classic and new Congolese music. Mixed into this edition's track list you'll hear a number of wonderful tracks that you'd be hard-pressed to find on CD. "Toujours le Meilleur"!

Here are a few covers from albums and CDs featured on this program.

For the next two weeks, you may download a copy of the program here:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/643515470/96e0063adc21044ff7d057199c11018b

After two weeks, as always, you may find the program in the Ambiance Congo Audio Archives.

Here is the tracklist:

1)King Kester Emeneya

sebene from DORIS ILOKO (this program's theme song)

from the CD PAS DE CONTACT

Black Music

2)Andre Kinzonzi "Du Soleil Krunganga"

EBONGA EBONGA TE, TOUJOURS LE MEILLEUR

from the LP QUE'EST CE QUE L'AMOUR?

Oliveira Nkounkou Production

3)Oliveira Nkounkou

MOSSOLO

from the LP AFRO RYTHMES PRESENTE OLIVEIRA NKOUNKOU

Production Oliveira Nkounkou et Afro-Rythmes

4)Les Bantous "Monument"

LOKOSSO JEANNOT

from the CD PASSY MERMANS *

Cyriaque Bassoka

5)Le Commandant Dona Mobeti

CHERIE KADETTI

from the CD CHERIE KADETTI

Production Groupe Cavacha / Sonima Music

6)Kino-Mabella

JE T'ACCUSE

from the CD INVITATION

Atoll Music

7)Le Poete Lutumba Simaro

SYSTEM

from the CD SALLE D'ATTENTE

Production Gabin Tembo

8)Malage De Lugendo

CAUCHEMAR

from the CD SMS

Ebherliss Records

9)Dino Vangu

FOLIE D'AMOUR

from the LP VIVE O.U.A BOOM No.2

Albert Youssheff

10)Tabu Ley & L'Afrisa International

MAIKA

from the LP ROCHEREAU VOL. 5: JALOUSIE MAL PLACEE

Disco Stock

11)Franco & T.P. O.K. Jazz

ITSHIOFO

from the 45 RPM single

remastered by Daniel Werner

12)Prince Youlou Mabiala & Kamikaze Loningisa

EMOA - N'KANA

from the LP SENTIMENTAL

Production Musicale Kamikaze / Voix D'Afrique

13)Canon Du Zaire

KADY

from the LP DJO MPOY / JOSKY

Africamania

*=by request

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Ambiance Congo for January 4, 2009

There has been a lot of talk about the style and quality of Congolese music released during 2008. A lot of that talk has been pretty negative, but I submit here that there were some very good CDs released despite all the flap. In the recent past, Congolese artists seemed to race to release great new CDs at year's end. The sense of competition for placing on Top 10 lists seemed really great. That phenomenon did not manifest itself this past year at all! Even with the general opinion that there were a lot of less-than-stellar releases, on many CDs there were a number of really good songs. Hopefully you will hear something in this program that will make you smile!
A lot of the disappointment with new music has turned many heads back toward older music. Today's show started with some requests for older music, a few requests from last year that I was not able to fill.

Enjoy!
Here is a link to download the program:
https://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBSckhYT2IzMWxMWEE9PQ

Here is the track list:

1)Felix Wazekwa
excerpt from QUE DEMANDE LE PEUPLE?
from the CD QUE DEMANDE LE PEUPLE?
Production Fondation Wazekwa
2)Jean Romain Biakou & Petit Poisson
KIFUEFUE
from the LP LA VUE C'EST LA VIE *
Rosi-Music
3)Fidele Zizi & Mando Negro Kwala Kwa *
DIMALEMBA
from the LP MISIKI YA KWALA KWA
Production 3A
4)Sax Matalanza
NZALA KANDA
from the LP LE MBULA MATARI *
Sans Frontieres
5)Verckys & Le Veve
COUP MARTEAU
from the CD IMMORTEL
Ets. Veve International
6)Le Commandant Josky Kiambukuta & L'Orchestre Bana OK
BARACUDA *
from the CD DERNIER AVERTISSEMENT
Sans Frontieres
7)Le Poete Lutumba Simaro
BENGONGO *
from the CD SALLE D'ATTENTE
Gabin Tembo
8)Manda Chante & Wenge Reference
BELINS MOBUAKA
from the CD DELIVRANCE TOTALE
P&G
9)Werra Son & Wenge Maison Mere
ASSOCIE VALABLE
from the CD TEMPS PRESENT MAYI YA SIKA
Duo D'Enfer
10)Serge Mabiala
PINZOLI
from the CD AFFECTION
Mobola Senzedi
11)Les Chics Men
KOLELA LELA
from the CD GROSSES AFFAIRES
Fiit Productions
12)KaRmapa
ELENGI
from the CD RIPOSTE
Ets. N'Diaye
13)Koffi Olomide
DIABOLOS
from the CD KOFFI
Diego Music
14)Titina Alcapone
ZIMA MOTO
from the CD AFFAIRE A SUIVRE
Sound Africa
15)Des-Desouza
AMEN
from the CD ZERO UN
Production 2 Mizik

*=by request

Monday, December 22, 2008

Ambiance Congo for December 21, 2008

For the last program of the year, Ambiance Congo presents the 4th and final special featuring the music of Les Bantous de la Capitale.

Here are a few covers from the albums we heard today:

A copy of the program is available for 2 weeks for download here:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/636727832/216134ceccb59e4a27acd540b9b1bbce

After that, please find it in the Ambiance Congo Audio Archives.

Here is the tracklist:

1)King Kester Emeneya

sebene from DORIS ILOKO (this program's theme song)

from the CD PAS DE CONTACT

Black Music

2)Les Bantous de la Capitale

LISIE

from the CD LES GRANDS SUCCES DES BANTOUS DE LA CAPITALE VOL. 2

Anytha-Ngapy

3)Les Bantous de la Capitale

KUMBELE - KUMBELE

from the CD MAKANDO MIBALE

African / Sonodisc

4)Ry-Co Jazz

KOUMBELE

from the CD BON VOYAGE!!

Stern's Africa

5)Les Bantous de la Capitale

ANNIE DITSOU

from the LP LES BANTOUS DE LA CAPITALE

Sonafric

6)Les Bantous de la Capitale

EL LOCO

from the LP LES BANTOUS DE LA CAPITALE

Sonafric

7)Jose Missamou

SON SABROSITO

from the LP SPECIAL SALSA PARA TODOS

Safari Sound

8)Papa Noel

SALSA AFRICAINE

from the CD CAFE NOIR

Tumi Music

9)Les Bantous de la Capitale

SACA TU CUERPO **

from the 45RPM SUPER BANTOUS ET MUJOS ( No. 5)

Pathe/ Stenco

10)Les Bantous de la Capitale

MAGOBOU

from the 45 RPM single

Pathe / EMI

11)Les Bantous de la Capitale

DESTINO **

from the 45RPM SUPER BANTOUS ( No. 1)

Pathe/ Stenco

12)Les Bantous de la Capitale

MERCI MAMA

from the CD BAKOLO MBOKA

Cyriaque Bassoka

13)Pamelo Mounk'a avec Les Bantous

TOUT CA C'EST LA VIE

from the LP L'AMOUR ET LA DANSE

Black Music

14)Passy Ngongo Mermans

SANGA MALA

from the LP MONIA

Salsa Musique

15)Les Bantous "Monument"

TON AMI N'EST PAS TON AMI

from the CD PASSY MERMANS

Cyriaque Bassoka / A.P.L. Diffusion

16)Les Bantous de la Capitale

NA GAGNER BANGO

from the CD LES GRANDS SUCCES DES BANTOUS DE LA CAPITALE VOL 3

Anytha-Ngapy

17)Les Bantous de la Capitale

SUP' MADISON **

from the 45RPM SUPER BANTOUS ET MUJOS (No. 4)

Pathe / Stenco

18)Les Bantous de la Capitale

IN WALKED BUD ***

from the reel tape recorded by Leo Sarkisian

Voice of America archives

19)Les Bantous de la Capitale

FIFI ZONGELA NGAI

from the LP LES BANTOUS DE LA CAPITALE

Music-Press

20)Ange Linaud

PETIT MODELE

from the LP ANGE LINAUD

Afro-Rtythmes

*=by request

**=courtesy of Stefan at Worldservice

***=courtesy of Mattew at Voice of America

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Ambiance Congo for Sunday December 7, 2008

This edition features the the varied and accomplished work of the artists of the group Kekele.

The core of Kekele is made up of singers and guitarists for whom I have (and have had!) a huge amount of respect.

If you like rumba, you will love this program! Guaranteed!

Here are a few of the albums from which you will hear a song on today's program.

Download the program here:

https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=Q01ITGswMVhubVVLSkE9PQ

Here is the tracklist:

1)Kekele

OTAGE YA BOLINGO feat. Wuta Mayi

from the CD RUMBA CONGO

Stern's Africa

3)Wuta Mayi

DEVANCE NGAI

from the LP OLE LA VIE

Eddy'son

4)Quatre Etoiles

KAYBYBY * feat. Nyboma, Wuta Mayi & Syran M'Benza

from the LP DANCE

Tangent

5)Syran M'Benza

DOMINGO *

from the LP ELISA DANGWA

Africamania

6)Bumba Massa

MOKILI COMPILQUE

from the LP MARIA THERESA

Afro Rythmes

7)Kekele

NAKOBALA TE * feat. Bumba Massa

from the CD CONGO LIFE

Stern's Africa

8)Lipua-Lipua

MA MOKE feat. Nyboma

from the LP LES DERNIERS SUCCS DE LIPUA-LIPUA

Ets. Veve International

9) L'International Orchestre Rumbaya

AU REVOIR GUY-GUY feat. Loko Massengo

from the LP NOUVEATE 1981

Musiclub

10)Papa Noel

ZA MOKE

from the LP ZA MOKE

Rythmes Et Musique

11)Rigo Star

MBADI MAWE feat. Madilu System

from the CD LES GERANTS FORUMLE 1

Syllart Productions / Africando

12)Le Poete Simaro Lutumba

MOBALI YA BATO feat. M'Bilia Bel

from the CD SALLE D'ATTENTE

Production Gabin Tembo

13)Franco & Le T.P. OK Jazz

MELOU feat. Wuta Mayi

from the CD 20e ANNIVERSAIRE 6 JUIN 1956-6 JUIN 1976 VOLUME 1

Sonodisc/African

14)Trio Madjesi

MIMI LANUNZE feat. Loko Massengo

from the CD BUTTEREUR

Sonodisc

15)Papa Noel & Papi Oveido

Kin Havane

from the CD BANA CONGO

Tumi Music

15)Kekele

BA KRISTO feat. Kekele & M'Bilia Bel

from the CD KINAVANA

Stern's Africa

*= by request

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Lita Bembo's European albums

Singer Lita Bembo led up one of my very favorite bands, Orchestre Stukas. The Stukas made one album that I know of without Lita Bembo, BALLADE A LIBREVILLE.

In the mid 1980s, Lita Bembo made at least two solo albums in Europe on which he was backed by musicians other than the Stukas.

One of these albums, CONFLIT, was cut in Brussels and it is a pretty good record. Lita Bembo, as a singer, and his music are both very true to the music for which he was beloved in the former Zaire. The other musicians on the album are only listed as being other scandalously unnamed Zaireans from Brussels assisted by named Belgians. The keyboards on this album are replaced by a synthesizer and it is brought farther into the foreground than we would have heard keyboards with the Stukas. Played by Roland Dechamps, the synth carries some wild and wonderful riffs that I believe were intended to reflect the original Stukas sound.

Listen to this album here:

https://www.yousendit.com/download/TTZtakl1cTJwcFZMWEE9PQ

The other European album, NOUVEAU RYTHME SACCADE, is touted on the sleeved as being "La Renaissance D'Une Legende", but it is a much less successful album.

This recording is almost as weird and out of character for Lita Bembo as the oufit he sports on the sleeve. The record has it's moments and Lita Bembo still belts it out with all the enthusiasm and style we know him for, but the compositions fall somewhere between the soukous and disco genres. Judge for yourself:

https://www.yousendit.com/download/TTZtaklwbWdrUmxMWEE9PQ

Monday, November 24, 2008

Ambiance Congo for Sunday November 23, 2008

This edition, we paid special tribute to the late Pepe Kalle, marking November 29 as 10 years since his passing. We also heard a variety of other great Congolese music.

Here are some covers of the albums and CDs we heard this time around.