The incredible German-based label Analog Africa, who has arguably been the leader when it comes to releasing rare music rooted from major regions in Africa and parts of Central and South America, have recently issued another brilliant compilation, titled Congo Funk!, which unearths a number of funky selections from two influential capital cities along the Congo River.

Featuring 14 superb tracks, this record includes obscure selections from both the south shore city of Kinshasa, which is the capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly known as Zaïre), and the more northern city of Brazzaville, which is the capital of the Congo Republic.

Kinshasa is often seen as Africa’s musical Mecca, the city that spawned such immortal bands as African Jazz, O.K. Jazz and African Fiesta, and the place to which aspiring musicians from throughout the continent would go to make a name for themselves. That being said, Brazzaville played an equally important role in spreading Congolese sounds continentally. In addition to producing legendary bands such as Les Bantous de la Capital, it was the powerful transmitters of Radio Brazzaville that allowed the unmistakable groove of Congolese Rumba to be heard as far away as Nairobi, Yaoundé, Luanda and Lusaka thus turning the electric guitar into the continent’s most important instrument.

Building off the financial, cultural, and musical impact that came with 1974’s Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman “Rumble In The Jungle” boxing match and the complimentary music festival ‘Rumble’, which featured the legendary James Brown, younger generations became highly influenced to pick-up electric guitars and start their own funk-inspired groups. This musical explosion marked the beginning of a golden age for Congolese music and independent record labels, notably Cover N°1, Mondenge, Editions Moninga, and Super Contact.

This well-crafted compilation dives deep into the groups and labels that were at the forefront of both of these influential, yet distinctive Congolese capital cities during the late 60s through the early 80s, which eventually resulted in an important musical landscape for the entire continent and beyond. Analog Africa has once again put together an impressive release that helps bring together and share this music out to the rest of the world.

Also, I highly recommend checking out the 5-part video series ‘Congo Funk! The Making of‘.

Various — ‘Congo Funk! – Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River (Kinshasa​/​Brazzaville 1969​-​1982)’
(Analog Africa)

1. Petelo Vicka et Son Nzazi – Sungu Lubuka
2. Groupe Minzoto Ya Zaïre – Mfuur Ma
3. M.B.T’s – M.B.T’s Sound
4. Abeti et les Redoutables – Musique Tshiluba
5. Trio Bydoli – Lalia
6. Tabu Ley et L’Orchestre Afrisa – Adeito
7. Les Bantous De La Capitale – Ngantsie Soul
8. Les Frères Soki et L’Orchestre Bella-Bella – Nganga
9. Orchestre Celi Bitshou – Tembe Na Tembe Ya Nini
10. Lolo et L’Orchestre O.K. Jazz – Lolo Soulfire
11. Zaiko Langa Langa – Femme Ne Pleure Pas
12. Orchestre O.K. Jazz – Kiwita Kumunani
13. G.O. Malebo – Fiancée Laya
14. Orchestre National Du Congo – Ah! Congo

BUY RECORD

• African
• Compilation
• Funk