One thing I have always been grateful for, growing up in the internet age, is the accessibility of music / films / shows from different cultures and countries. I was not limited to just what was around me, or what broadcasters chose to show me but, through apps like YouTube, I was able to connect and understand different people. Growing up as an immigrant in the UK, listening to African music was not something foreign to me nor listening to music in different languages. Everyone from my mum to my uncles played the latest Nigerian hits in the car and on TV channels. Before hitting the road to go to family friends party, my uncle would flip through a range of CDs to find which one to play to hype himself up. As I reached adolescence, I understand more and more the beauty of west African culture through music and this helped me to connect with my roots. Now, what was so special about Congolese music that I became obsessed with it?
The likes of Koffi Olomide, Fabregas le Métis Noir and Fally Ipupa especially were on-repeat. Congolese music was always popular in Nigeria since the late 90s due to hits like ‘Carolina’ by Awilo Longomba. I was familiar with Congolese music growing up very much but, it wasn’t until venturing into Koffi’s 2001 album ‘Effrakata’ that I began my obsession.
The magic in Congolese Soukous:
#1 – Congolese music always makes me happy! whatever I am doing and whenever I am, this music immediately uplifts me. I believe the combination of the rhythmic drums and polyrhythm on the electric guitar sets it apart. These alone separates soukous ( a genre of Congolese music) from Afrobeats / Afropop. Even though Congolese songs are usually about 10 minutes long, a western listener would notice about 3 songs in 1. Dancing is also a big part of Congolese videos / concerts and everyone who watches knowns their iconic waist waining. Listening to Soukous made me want to learn Lingala and French so I could understand the lyrics to these songs. Translations of Congolese music is more than subpar on English sites. Congolese music is unique in itself as you are not sure what is to come every 2 minutes but, its the excitement that makes it enjoyable!
Listen to some of my favourite Congolese songs in my playlist below:
Click here for more posts!