RIP TABU LEY ROCHEREAU

A few months have passed since my last update. A lot has been going on in my life, please excuse me for the lack of updates. It pains me this morning to say that since my last update yet another legend of Congolese music, Pascal Tabu Ley Rochereau, has passed away. Tabu Ley (November 13, 1940 - November 30, 2013) was one of the most dynamic voices of Congolese rumba merging difference musical styles and beautiful meaningful lyrics as the leader of African Fiesta and later Afrisa International. He is also responsible for bringing grand diva Mbilia Bel (among others) to the forefront in a genre dominated by men. He often wrote songs for her that were very pro-Woman's rights leaving a strong impression on all who listened. He was a pioneer of mixing sounds and a great performer to boot. He will most certainly be missed. We leave you with one of his most famous compositions which is most fitting for the occasion "Mokolo Nakokufa" (The Day That I Die). RIP Seignuer Rochereau

Tonight - Tabu Ley Rochereau Special on Tambour d'Afrique!

Tune in tonight for a special episode of Tambour d'Afrique showcasing the legendary talents of Tabu Ley Rochereau at www.radiotriomphe.com @ 10pm NY time.

TABU LEY ROCHEREAU

Since this blog has been started I have blogged on two female artists, Mpongo Love and Mbilia Bel. Both artists owe their career to Tabu Ley. Mpongo Love's career jump started when she met Tabu Ley's saxophonist at the time Empompo Loway Deyesse and Mbilia Bel went from singing back up for a few artists before becoming Tabu Ley's right hand (as well as wife). Tabu Ley's career spans over 50 years beginning with his first recording "Bessama Muchacha" under Joseph "GRAND KALLE" Kabasele's African Jazz. He later formed L'Ochestre Afrisa International which, along side Franco et TP OK Jazz, was the most succeful African band of its time. Here is a more complete Biography of the Congolese great, Tabu Ley and his accomplishments:

TABU LEY ROCHEREAU: A LIVING LEGEND



Here are a couple of his biggest hits, and one he wrote for Mbilia Bel:

INDEPENDENCE CHA-CHA-CHA

AFRICA MOKILI MOBIMBA

ESWI YO WAPI (sung by Mbilia Bel)

TAMBOUR D'AFRIQUE AIRS TONIGHT @ 10pm to 12am EASTERN STANDARD TIME
click www.radiotriomphe.com at showtime
and enjoy the show. This week Guy is still on vacation so there will be another re-broadcast. This time it will be of Show #9 featering Zaiko Langa Langa guitarist Pepe Felly Manuaku. PEACE...

Nkombo Ya Yo Nini?

What's your name?

In Congolese rhumba/soukous/miziki ya Congo, I noticed the trend of having songs where the title is a woman's name. In most cases the song involves a young man pleading his love for the young lady or asking her for a dance. Other times it may be a story about a particular relationship envolving the girl whose name is featured in the title. As I discover new (old really) music every day find that the songs with the womens names in them tend to be really good. Here are 4 selections I chose as examples of this trend in the music (mp3 links provided):

Sanda - Empire Bakuba
I actually JUST downloaded this song and heard it for the first time about 30 minutes ago and it's actually the reason for this blog. It was yet another in a long line of songs with a woman's name in the title that are just really nice. I don't know if it's the names that just have a certain ring to them that makes the songs so catchy but I'm still waiting to be disappointed by one of these. They say Adio Sanda at the beginning of the song. So I'm guessing he's said that she left (like Adios). 'Sanda....Naleli yo' (I cry for you)...

Fifi - Verkys et L'Ochestre Veve
On this one the guy is asking Fifi why she's avoiding him. I love the 'Ooooh' and 'Eeeeeh' theme throughout the melodie. Goes well with the saxophone. The break or soukous part of the song is really nice as well. Light but upbeat. I just heard this song for the first time yesterday.

Jiji - Super Mazembe
From their 70s Virgin Records release Kaivaska. I love the lyrics to this song. They're really simple but beautiful. It's a man singing to the mother of his child. He's telling her not to let gossip break up their marriage. One of the best songs I've heard, period. Great song.

Sophie Elodie - Rocheraux Tabu Ley-Sam Mangwana
This is early Tabu Ley in collaboration with Sam Mangwana. What can I say about this song. It's just so pretty. The Hawaiian guitar mixed with the Congolese style of drumming is magic. And Tabu Ley's voice fits the track so beautifully. He's singing about his girl Sophie Elodie.



Tonight Tambour D'Afrique is a re-broadcast. Still tune in if you've missed out in the past. Log onto RADIO TRIOMPHE

PEACE