Hailing from the tiny sovereign islands of the African state of São Tomé and Príncipe, the long-running band África Negra have a second anthology on Bongo Joe Records deservedly dedicated to their exhilarating blend of Congolese rumba, soukous, highlife and the high speed local puxa style. Whether it’s high-energy dancers or sitting back into a swaying rumba, the emotional power of their sound and playing will make your soul sing. Read / Listen.
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Vumbi Dekula 'Congo Guitar' (Hive Mind / Sing A Song Fighter) - a review
There’s something special appearing soon for fans of the irresistible and hypnotic grooves of Congolese soukous and rumba. After 40 plus years of playing with some of the best dance orchestras, we shall have the first solo album from the legendary Congolese guitarist Kahanga Dekula aka ‘Vumbi’! Composed and recorded in just two days, this is the sound of the Congolese guitar traditions at its rawest. Complemented by the occasional use of Karl Jonas Winqvist’s rhythm box drum machine and subtle complementary backing vocals and percussion, Vumbi’s sparkling syncopated playing is front and centre. Bursting with joyful verve and bluesy intent, this co-release between Karl Jonas’ Sing A Song Fighter imprint and the UK’s brilliant Hive Mind Records is a standout of the year for me so far. Read / Listen.
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