Search - Soukous Stars :: Rumba Soukous

Delightful, sumptuous, happy

Theresa Lawless | Napa, CA USA | 01/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Multi-layered rythums, guitars and vocals wind through each piece and are infused with a joyful spirit that can combat even road rage. No need to flip through tracks; each one is as good as the next."

An infectious rhythm from Africa.

Theresa Lawless | 08/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this album is not your usual world beat one. Rumba Soukous has all the African music influence from the Classic Congolese Rumba to the latest Soukous beat including some flavors of Nigeria highlife music. The music in this album dares you to get up and dance. Legendary vocalist Shimita El Diego's vocal soars and shines over the lightening guitar riffs of extraordinary soloist of Nene Tchakou whose style is recognizable at the first note. It is perfect for any African dance party."

What Happened to Imagination in Congolese Music?

Play It By Ear | Sacramento, CA United States | 12/27/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is such a train wreck product from some of the greatest figures in Congolese music history. I really have a hard time writing this. I believe the problem here stems from trying so hard to create a product that will cross-over to the U.S. audience. Even the great writer on Congolese music history, Martin Sinnock, has openly criticized the insertion of English language into Congolese music. It just doesn't work. These musicians now reside mainly in the U.S. (Northern California). I just saw that Jirbo Ntunta has joined the group(from Defao's band and also living in the U.S.). He must have replaced the amazing vocalist, Wuta Mayi. I wonder if Wuta left because the band was moving so far in the direction of mediocrity.



These days I much prefer the "old fashioned" rumba of Congolese Genius, Franco. I am less moved by this speedy-go-straight-for-the-Sebene Congolese music that refers to itself by the name of Soukous. These are supposed to be the "floor burners" (i.e. more danceable than old fashion Congolese rumba) but they are all starting to sound the same."