I have read the most funny story, recorded in Kinshasa in 1973,
the song ‘A.Z.DA’ was released without much notice in Zaire. After
some time it spread across Africa and Europe. Most people thought
it was a love song but in fact it was an advertisement. A.Z.DA was
the name of a Volkswagendealer with outlets in some 6 Zairian cities.
The song goes; Vay-way Vay-Way Vay-Way, and bought all 24 members of
the band a brandnew Volkswagen.

tracks;

1 A.Z.DA No. 1 & 2
2 Assitu 1 & 2
3 Minuit eleki lezi 1 & 2
4 Zando ya tipo-tipo
5 Lukika

This LP by Sam Mangwana is on the Nigerian RAS label, I am
not exactly sure but it seems to be a Nigerian recording.
Either way, it spins just fine. The title of this album
does not come from one of the tracks, does it mean
life goes on?

tracks;

1 Toboyi te
2 Chérie Magy
3 Afrique – Antilles = Un
4 A la Camerounaise

In the series l’Afrique danse, this is guitarist Dr. Nico.
A sublime artist who performs on this LP with the Orchestra,
African Fiesta Sukisa. They picked some songs from three
years, 1968,1969 and 1970. Sweet stuff.

tracks;

1 Sadi na boyi masumu
2 Kamunganzi ko
3 Ntumba
4 Mokili ya nzambe
5 Fanta diara
6 Echantillon ya pamba
7 Sizarine
8 Nazali se mobali na yo
9 Tu m’as deçu Chouchou
10 Bolingo ya sens unique

One of the most perfect Congolese albums I have ever heard
is this one by Papa Noel. He was one of the original members
of ‘Les Bantous de la Capitale’. I think his guitarwork on
this LP is simply impeccable. Unfortunately the backsleeve
doesn’t give one line of information about the rest of the
musicians, is that Malage doing vocals ? If anyone can tell
us, that would be great. In the mean time enjoy this
beautiful album.

tracks;

1 Selia Zozo
2 Madiabuana
3 Bel ami
4 Bon samaritain
5 Kizungu-zungu
6 Sisi

Although it does not sound that way, this LP was recorded
live at the 1-2-3. Tight stuff by le grand maitre like always.
With the ever great Lutumba Simaro, check it out.

tracks;

1 Tikaka kosenga
2 Tambou luntadila
3 Kabongo
4 Sema ya kinalo

I am not posting high tempo these days and this one
is to make up for it a little bit.

The Zaiko Langa Langa Orchestra concerned a large group of musicians.
Guitarist ‘Pela’ made this LP with two offshoots of the orchestra.
Uptempo Congolese Soukous, rhythm driven and great vocals.

tracks;

1 Zaiko wawawa
2 Maria Mea
3 Wele – wele
4 Doto

Last year I posted three different albums by ‘le Fantastic Pambou Tchicaya
Tchico’ with more or less the same cover as this one. Our friend and collegue
of Worldservice told me these are the Nigeria recordings. This is the last
one in my posession, does anyone know if there are more of them ?
There is something funny about the black and white picture of Tchico
on horseback. At first it looks kinda tough but if you look better
you notice they must have hoisted Tchico on the back of that poor mule.
With his freshly ironed white shirt and trousers he doesn’t really look
like he’s been riding, the immense shoes he’s wearing don’t even fit
in the horse’s stirrups. Maybe not a horseman but a truly great musician,
demonstrated by for one, the Cuban classic El Manicero, the Peanut vender.

tracks;

1 Brothers and sisters
2 Amie Clara
3 El manicero se va

I never heard of Pompon Kuleta untill I found this LP.
Neither could I find anything usefull on te world wide web.
What I do know, this is a fine album, very nice voice and
great back up band. With Sammy Massamba, Kabassele and other
artists that do not sound familiar to me.
Check it out and get back to me if you can enlighten us
on the subject.

tracks;

1 Faites attention
2 Ba souvenir
3 Bolingo lady
4 Mbula esili

It’s been a long time since the last Mbilia Bel post.
She was one one of the first female superstars of Africa when
she struck gold with Seigneur Tabu Ley and l’Afrisa International.
Mbilia Bel had a quite short and stormy career mid 80’s. ‘Creamy’
and ‘dreamy’ voice that makes her unforgettable.

tracks;

1 Ba gerants ya mabala
2 Ba jeu de coin
3 Paka wewe
4 Boni yo boye

Another fine Eddy’Son production from 1983. Congolese singer Pamelo
Mounk’a is back with this Paris recording. What can I say ?
Eddy Gustave always seemed to create the perfect atmosphere
with the perfect musicians. It all comes natural here, it’s only
half an hour of music but don’t miss it, Class A material.
A tiny bit of damage though, sorry.

tracks;

1 Laisse toi vivre Mamouni
2 Affaires de coeur
3 Yhiayhia dzellat
4 Mariaker