Synopses & Reviews
There had always been music along the banks of the Congo River—lutes and drums, the myriad instruments handed down from ancestors. But when Joseph Kabasele and his African Jazz went chop for chop with O.K. Jazz and Bantous de la Capitale, music in Africa would never be the same. A sultry rumba washed in relentless waves across new nations springing up below the Sahara. The Western press would dub the sound soukous or rumba rock; most of Africa called in Congo music.
Born in Kinshasa and Brazzaville at the end of World War II, Congon music matured as Africans fought to consolidate their hard-won independence. In addition to great musicians—Franco, Essous, Abeti, Tabu Ley, and youth bands like Zaiko Langa Langa—the cast of characters includes the conniving King Leopold II, the martyred Patrice Lumumba, corrupt dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, military strongman Denis Sassou Nguesso, heavyweight boxing champs George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, along with a Belgian baron and a clutch of enterprising Greek expatriates who pioneered the Congolese recording industry.
Rumba on the River presents a snapshot of an era when the currents of tradition and modernization collided along the banks of the Congo. It is the story of twin capitals engulfed in political struggle and the vibrant new music that flowered amidst the ferment.
For more information on the book, visit its other online home at rumbaontheriver.com—an impressive resource.
Review
"A fascinating and tantalizing celebration." Herald
Review
"For fans and scholars alike, it is a godsend to have so much of this history packed into a single, well-indexed volume." Boston Phoenix
Review
"The most comprehensive account written in English of the rich history of music from the Belgian Congo, Zaire, DR Congo, French Congo or simply Congo." Charlie Gillett
Review
"The first really comprehensive account of the development of an African pop style." Times Literary Supplement
Review
"Stewart's love and understanding of Congolese music is strikingly evident throughout this book. Few can match his encyclopedic knowledge." International Journal of African Historical Studies
Synopsis
Rumba on the River presents a snapshot of an era when the currents of tradition and modernization collided to produce a unique music along the banks of the Congo River. It is the story of twin capitals engulfed in political struggle, and the vibrant new music that flowered amidst the ferment.
Synopsis
Captivating study of the flowering of Congo music, during the fight to consolidate their hard-won independence.
About the Author
Gary Stewart is a writer who has lived and worked in Africa. His articles on African and Caribbean music have appeared in numerous publications including The Beat, Option, and West Africa. He is the author of Breakout: Profiles in African Rhythm.