Johnny Bokelo Isenge (Disques Espérance ESP 8420)

Coming back to Congo and Paris Johnny Bokelo is a good choice! Mid 1980s was the time when Congolese music used influences from Zouk and Cameroun to create a harder rhythm. Here Bokelo restists to produce two sides with only one rhythm but offers us four good and different tracks.

Who's in his orchstra, the "Mbonda Africa Music"? I don't know!

Anyway, enjoy this danceable music over the weekend!

Tighten Up!

Today is Rico Rodriguez' birthday - all the best, Rico!

Rico emigrated from his native Jamaica to the UK. 50 years ago, in 1962 he started recording in London!

Michael de Koningh reissued one of Rico's first records in the UK, originally released in 1962 on the Planetone label, Rico's Combo with "Youth Boogie", as well as two other tracks with his contribution, Joe Mansano's "Life on Reggae Planet" and "The Bullet" on a CD which came with his book "Tighten Up! The History of Reggae in the UK" (2003, now out of print and sold at Amazon for up to 100 €).

Enjoy!

Orchestre Veve - Natamboli Moto (VV 218, African 91.203 B)

Enjoy a great sax tonight!

This is Orchestre Veve from 1976.

Bokelo Isenge - Nasuana Mpoya Mobali (editions mbonda EMB 12)

Johnny Bokelo is a favorite on this blog.

Here we have an example from his Nairobi based label where he released more than 20 7" singles during 1976 and 1977.

Enjoy!

Orchestre Sentima (Ed. NTIMBO ET 008)

Here comes another single from Nguashi's label in Kenya back in 1977.

Enjoy!

Orchestre Thouraya d'Alger (vogue contrepoint)

Today I come with a special post as I'm not very acquainted with the music of northern Africa. I found this 10" by chance and couldn't resist to buy without listening.

At home I've heard absolutely extraordinary music: Powerful, driving, soulful.

Released within a series called "Collection du Musée du Monde sous la direction de Gilbert Rouget", recorded in 1952 in Alger.

Enjoy!

Orchestre Mamumay (African 90.972)

Have you heard of Orchestre Mamumay? When I found this record I had to search for information. And couldn't find anything on the web.

O.k., the record itself already helps with important data: side 1 is composed by Mansiamina Mfoko what is Mansiamina Bopol and side 2 by Wuta May or Wuta Mayi.

Both artist were presented here earlier. On Vibes d'Afrique we have a wonderful biography of the two artists, both born in then Leopoldville in 1949, who started together in 1968 in Orchestre Bambula. And they remained close each other until the 21st century.

The above mentioned article says that the two went with Franco and O.K. Jazz since 1974. So this record from 1975 must have bene made in these early O.K. Jazz days.

Have a listen to these great musicians.

Enjoy!