Congolese Funk, Afrobeat & Psychedelic Rumba 1969-1978. 2-LP with 11 tracks by Verckys et l`Orchestre Veve at the height of their most funky abilities. Includes a Voucher to Download high quality MP3 of the album.
Such was Africa’s love of Latin music in the 1960s that the Congo, in particular, created a new genre from the rumba template, one packed with sweet vocals, sinuous melodies and frantic, dancing guitars. This was one strand in the success of Kinshasa heroes Orchèstre Vévé and charismatic leader Verckys, though the band also recycled the staccato rhythms of James Brown. Recorded on a Kenyan foray, this collection showcases metronomic funk guitars on Cheka Sana, velvet vocals on Zonga Vonvon, Nigerian Afrobeat on Bassala Hot. Very nice (review by Guardian)
3. Nakobala Yo Denise (4:00)
2. Nakomi Paralise (6:42)
Songs like `Sex Vévé`, `Talali Talala` and `Cheka Sana` are particularly Brown-esque by their walloping bass lines and sweaty energy. `Cheka Sana` even comes with a few mad grunts and whistles, and with its punchy beat undoubtedly makes the big hit of this compilation.
A quite different approach comes with the Congolese rumba tracks, which are probably where Verckys becomes outstanding. The horns and congas are suitably wild; in comparison to the militant slickness of the funk tracks, everything here is untamed. Verckys veers off into that heard-souring, almost-surf guitar style known as soukous, the Congo`s instantly recognisable soundtrack.
The compilation progresses - deeper into the heart of the Kinshasa sound, it feels like - and we encounter two genres that, whilst being identified by Analog Africa, will almost certainly be new territory for listeners: cavacha and pachanga. Be prepared for roughness here; vintage crackles dust these tracks in a sultry haze. A perfect reflection of the growing psychedelia, an optimist would argue.