African jazz in what was then called Belgian Congo was equally inspired by American jazz and Cuban rumba. The very interesting combination is augmented by the unique perspective of the artists prospering in a hotbed of music across prolific record labels such as Ngoma, Opika, and Loningisa in Léopoldville, the capital of a dying colonial empire.
Originally recorded for the Congolese Loningisa label, here we have the guitarist Armando Brazzos playing an infectious cha cha with O.K. Jazz reissued for wider distribution on the HMV LON series.
This catchy dance tune hooks you from the very first few bars and never lets go. Around 1:50, Issac Musekiwa provides a wailing sax solo on top of the never-ending groove. Then at the exact three minute mark, everything comes to an abrupt halt.
A real treat to listen to! But be warned – once the contagious cha cha rhythm gets in your head you may find yourself shaking your hips all day long as the groove goes on and on in your head.
Recorded in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa), Congo on February 27, 1959.
Originally released as Loningisa N° 252.
Reissued as His Master’s Voice LON 1096.
Credits (mostly based on personnel of O.K. Jazz in the late 50s)
Armando Brazzos – guitar
Issac Musekiwa (?) – saxophone
Victor “Vicky” Longomba (?), Edouard “Edo” Ganga (?) – vocals
Célestin Kouka (?) – maracas, vocals
De La Lune (?) – Bass
Nicolas “Dessoin” Bosuma (?) = percussion
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