Following this former article, I’d like to share with you for today “Mbandaka“, a breezing deep 70s Fusion Soul Folk Organ instrumental track from Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaïre), taken from the 1st album the mythical congolese band “Les Ya Toupas du Zaïre“.
Recorded in Kinshasa (country’s capital) with the help of the famous Togolese producer Gerard Akueson, this album was released in France in 1978 on “Songhoï“, subdivision of the legendary Sonodisc/Sonafric record label.
It included some of the finest musicians of the country of that time as :
Raymond « Ray » Lema A’nsi Nzinga : Guitar, Piano, Organ, Percussion, Vocals ;
Félix Pedro « Manuaku Waku” : Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar ;
Nzimbi, Pamsu-Dimbani Waza-Kesho : Vocals, Percussion ;
Zoe Matondo “Nzuani” : Congas, Percussion ;
Paul « Bopol » Mansiamina Mfoko : Bass ;
Kadinga : Drums, Percussion ;
Nkoy Bizico : Percussion ;
Cherry on the cake : this gorgeous cover art by the French Caribbean composer & producer Gilles Sala (also responsible for the line notes on the back cover !), who used to run “Songhoï” publishing house in the late 70s.
Really beautiful album from start to finish, invisible nowadays unfortunately – Hope you’ll like it, enjoy !
Les Ya Toupas Du Zaïre – Mbandaka (Democratic Republic of Congo, 1978, Songhoï)
You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/S6kMCW7kV-s
Check also my Soundcloud for exclusive mixes & selections : https://soundcloud.com/armand_de_preseau
Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/
Feel free to support my action to preserve musical heritage & buy my vinyl & digital reissues here : https://nangabokorecords.bandcamp.com
Have a nice Sunday, see you next week for another musical rediscovery !
Armand de Preseau
