Congolese Music
Introduction:
The Democratic Republic of Congo was formerly known as Zaire and is also
sometimes known as Congo-Kinshasa in order to be able to differentiate it from
the Republic of Congo. Congolese music download is referred to as “Soukous”
which accurately refers to a dance sequence of the 1960s.
The musical forms of rock-rumba or rumba are also sometimes used
to address Congolese music. Both of these terms are neither precise nor
descriptive. Originally, people of the Congo do not have any music of their
own.
Origin of Congolese music:
Since the times of colonial era, Kinshasha has been a great centre for
musical culture and innovation. This country was made out from such
territories that were controlled by varied ethnic groups that had different
interests.
During World War II, Congo was dominated by a fusion of African
and Latin musical styles that originated from the small island of Cuba. The
inhabitants of Congo adapted to the Rumba suited to their own tastes and
musical instruments. The earliest musicians of Congo included the well known
Feruzi, who is known to have popularized the Rumba in the 1930s. Many other
genres also became popular during this period.
Folk Music of Congo:
The Congolese music download chiefly comprised of folk instruments such as the mvet and xylophone. The instrument known as mvet is a sort of zither harp, which is a musical style that is also to be seen in Asia and Africa.
It is made of a very long tube with either one or two gourds that act as
resonators. Although soukous form of music has become more closely linked
with the famous music of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the local music
of Brazzaville and Kinshasa also played a very vital role.
By the early start of the 1990s, Congolese music download began to decline
considerably. The most famous musicians belonging to the classical era had
almost lost their mark or disappeared; and at about the same time, the then
President Mobutu’s regime continued to suppress indigenous Congolese music,
thereby reinforcing Paris as a seat for Congolese music.
Some of the very well known Congolese musicians such as Pepe Kalle, Rigo
Starr and Kanda Bongo Man were all based in Paris. However, the capital city
of Kinshasha still had some of the most popular musicians including Dindo
Yogo and Bimi Ombale. In the year 1993, many of the largest bands and
individuals in the history of Congo were brought together to organize a
function event that helped rejuvenate Congolese music and gave birth to
careers of many popular bands.
Conclusion:
Congolese music scene was differentiated from the formation of the African
Jazz which was the foremost full time orchestra to perform and record and
also debut of the fifteen year old Francios Luambo Mikiadi. As the recording
technology evolved, it allowed for playing and recording longer times.
The late 60s came to be known as the Soukos era and referes to all the subsequent developments in the Congolese music. There were famous bands like Bantous de la Capitale that played an important role in the growth and development of Soukos and other different styles of Congolese popular music.
