Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.55 (860 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1859843689 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 400 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 0000-00-00 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Gary Stewart is a writer who has lived and worked in Africa. He is the author of Breakout: Profiles in African Rhythm and Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos—for more information on the latter, visit rumbaontheriver. His articles on African and Caribbean music have appeared in numerous publications including The Beat, Option, and West Africa.
Jazz and Bantous de la Capitale, music in Africa would never be the same. The Western press would dub the sound soukous or rumba rock; most of Africa called in Congo music.Born in Kinshasa and Brazzaville at the end of World War II, Congon music matured as Africans fought to consolidate their hard-won independence. In addition to great musicians—Franco, Essous, Abeti, Tabu Ley, and youth bands like Zaiko Langa Langa—the cast of characters includes the conniving King Leopold II, the martyred Patrice Lumumba, corrupt dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, military strongman Denis Sassou Nguesso, heavyweight boxing champs George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, along with a Belgian baron and a clutch of enterprising Greek expatriates who pioneered the Congolese recording industry.Rumba on the River presents a snapshot of an era when the currents of tradition and modernization collided along the banks of the Congo. But when Joseph Kabasele and his African Jazz went chop for chop with O.K. It is the story of twin capitals engulfed in political struggle and the vibrant new music that flowered amidst the ferment.For more information on the book, visit its other online home at rumbaontheriver—an impressive resource.. A sultry rumba washed in relentless waves across new nations springing up below the Sahara. T
Everything you always needed to know about Congolose Rumba but didn't know to ask agnostic This work describes the history of the captivating music emanating from Kinshasha and to a lesser extent Brazzaville, as well as latter-day European diasporas in Paris and Brussels. If you have more than a passing interest in this music, you will deeply appreciate this work. It is a historical account of the musicians operating in this cultural zone, as well as some of the socioeconomic forces working on them externally and in some way influencing their artistry. What you will not . Unfortunately, this book gets stuck in its own impressive Unfortunately, this book gets stuck in its own impressive research. By the time it gets to the sixties it becomes an endless litany of names and ancient grudge matches. The author lacks the musical background to describe the music he is writing about, or detail any innovations, or explain how the music developed over the years.. "Great read and reference" according to Joe M.A.. This book covers a lot of information, and does a surprisingly decent job at it. The author makes little attempt to be judgemental or pretencious. He just tries to present the complex history of modern Congolese music(the most dynamic and popular music from Africa) as best as he could source it, AND OBVIOUSLY BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE COULD HAVE DONE IT.A neat reference book for anyone interested in music from the Congos.
It is also a depiction of the debilitating social, economic and political environment that is the canvas for this portrait." —Standard Media . “The first really comprehensive account of the development of an African pop style.”—Times Literary Supplement“The most comprehensive account written in English of the rich history of music from the Belgian Congo, Zaire, DR Congo, French Congo or simply Congo”—Charlie Gillet“For fans and scholars alike, it is a godsend to have so much history packed into a single volume.”—Boston Phoenix“A fascinating and tantalizing celebration”—Herald“Stewart’s love and understanding of Congolese music is strikingly evident throughout his book. Here comes a handsome 400 page tome that celebrates the music of the Congo, from bot