My guest today is Alastair Johnston, producer of “The Soul of Congo: Treasures of the Ngoma Label” on Planet Ilunga Records – a incredible retrospective of the music of the legendary Congolese record label, Ngoma. This release is made up of all-new digital transfers from 78 rpm and 45rpm original records – some of which are nearly impossible to find.
Alastair is full of so much amazing information and so many stories – it was a true pleasure to speak with him and learn more about Congolese Rumba, the origin of the Ngoma label, and much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation! I tried to break it up with short samples of some of the tracks on the set to keep things interesting.
0:00 Intro
0:32 My interest in the Ngoma label
1:18 Planet Ilunga release
2:12 Sample: Groupe de Flutistes Bayeke Lulua Jazz (Fulukayi, Tshisuisa)
2:32 The MUSIC!
3:21 Introduction: Alastair Johnston
4:25 How Alastair became interested in African music
8:35 Sample: “Anna Yaya” Trio BOW (Bukasa – Oliveira – Wendo)
9:00 How did “the Soul of Congo” project start?
15:04 Story of “Marie Tchebo” (Ngoma 110) by G. Edouard and M. Oliveira
15:58 Selecting tracks for the release
17:42 The history of the Ngoma label
23:50 Sample: “Tuwayilanga Kimpwanza” – San Salvador (G. Edoward, M. Oliveira, H. Freitas, Bila accompagné par l’orchestre Beguen Band
24:10 Cuban musical influence
27:53 Social and historical context in Congo
29:24 Discussion of “Mokili Ekobaluka” by Adou Elenga
30:27 Sample: “Mokili Ekobaluka” by Adou Elenga
31:09 Paul Mwenga and political music in Kizomba
31:46 Getting lyrics translated for the project
34:04 How lyrics add to understanding of the music
36:00 What happened to the Ngoma masters and file copies?
38:00 What made Ngoma special?
40:08 Discussion of “Monique Wa Baba” by Léon Bukasa with a young Papa Noel on guitar
40:46 Sample: “Monique Wa Baba” – Léon Bukasa
42:18 Ngoma studio engineers and recording technology
43:09 Testimonials in the liner notes
44:29 The joy of Ngoma label music
46:52 Will there be a second volume?
50:39 Franco “Les Editions Populaires” release on Planet Ilunga
51:27 Wrap up
51:54 “Suwavecito Mambo” – Charles Lembe & son orchestre
52:24 Where to get a copy of “The Soul of Congo” for your collection
53:14 Announcement about Ngoma transfers posted on Jazz Crazy YouTube channel this coming week!
53:44 Learning more about the history of African recorded music
54:59 So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good bye
A huge thanks to Alastair Johnston for taking the time to talk with me – and to Bart Cattaert of Planet Ilunga for his support of this interview. Also – my eternal gratefulness and thanks to all legendary musical performers of the Ngoma label! 🙏 Thank you!
Learn more:
“The Soul of Congo: Treasures of the Ngoma Label” on Bandcamp
https://planetilunga.bandcamp.com/album/the-soul-of-congo-treasures-of-the-ngoma-label-1948-1963
Alastair Johnston’s website: MUZIKIFAN
http://www.muzikifan.com/
Afrodisc (Discographies and label histories of African 78 rpm labels)
http://afrodisc.com/
Planet Ilunga Website
https://planetilunga.com/
Rumba on the River website
http://rumbaontheriver.com/
Leave a Reply