Search - Orchestre Afrisa International :: Melanie

Founded by the legendary Congolese singer Tabu Ley Rochereau in 1970, and considered one of Africa's most popular and influential bands, l Orchestre Afrisa International returns with their first new album since 1996. In the days before he passed away in 2013, Tabu Ley confided in his friend and bandmate Modero Mekanisi, making him promise to continue the legacy of Congolese rumba and soukous by reuniting the band. The latest album features all-new recordings of rare and classic Afrisa songs of the 1970s-1990s, reinterpreted by many of the band s original Congolese musicians. The reunited Afrisa is a bonafide Congolese supergroup, featuring musicians who performed with Tabu Ley for decades, including saxophonist Modero Mekanisi, singers Wawali Bonane, Dodo Munoko, Habiba Batantu and Djeffard Lukombo, legendary guitarists Dino Vangu and Huit Kilos Nseka, drummers Parigo Asuka and Abro Moke, horn players Valentine Ntumba and Kabert Kabasele, joined by renowned bassist Ngouma (Le Professeur) Lokito. The musicians recaptured Tabu Ley's innovative orchestration and emotive musicality in African music, featuring richly layered vocal harmonies, warm tube amp guitar tones, live drumming and the syncopated horn parts of classic Congolese rumba.