Kékélé

Last updated

Kekele was a band formed in 2000, composed of leading veteran African musicians, mostly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They played Congolese rumba in a revival style harkening back to the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, using acoustic guitars. Kekele seems to be dormant or defunct, having not released a recording since 2006 nor performed since (apparently) 2010.

Contents

Origins

The African-record producer Ibrahim Sylla formed Kekele in 2000 to record its first album, Rumba Congo. [1] According to one report, the band was originally intended as a "one-off" effort, only meant to exist for that one album. [2] The word kekele in the Lingala language means a type of fibrous vine, sometimes woven together to make rope. One writer speculated that this is a metaphor for the musicians who comprise the band. [3]

The band's inspiring spirit was a dissatisfaction with the direction Congolese popular music had recently taken, and a desire to return to its roots. [4] [5] As Kekele guitarist Syran Mbenza said, "There were no more songs, no more melodies. . . . Our music was becoming decadent. We had to wake it up again." [6]

As an effort by a group of older musicians to revive an older style of music, many writers compared this group's work to the Buena Vista Social Club, the 1990s Havana band and album. [2] [5] [7] [8] [9] Perhaps along similar lines to the Buena Vista Social Club, Kekele seems aimed at a largely non-African target audience; Martin Sinnock, a U.K. expert in Congolese music, described Kekele's first album as "the most popular Congolese release of 2001"—among those "[o]utside the African community," because African fans of Congolese music were more interested in other musicians such as Koffi Olomide. [10]

Personnel

As Kekele has recorded and toured, its membership, the ten to twenty musicians in the studio or on stage, has regularly changed. Each lineup, however, has consistently been an all-star cast of experienced musicians, most from the Democratic Republic of the Congo but some from elsewhere in Africa.

The consistent core members of Kekele include vocalists Nyboma (Nyboma Mwan'dido), Wuta Mayi, Bumba Massa, and Loko 'Djeskain' Massengo, and guitarist Syran Mbenza. Loko 'Djeskain' Massengo is from the Republic of the Congo, while the other four are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and all were between age 50 and 55 in 2001. [1] These five core members of Kekele include three of the four "stars" who comprised the supergroup Les Quatre Etoiles (The Four Stars): Nyboma, Wuta Mayi, and Syran Mbenza.

History: personnel changes, musical styles, critical reactions

First album, Rumba Congo (2001)

The first iteration of Kekele was led by the older guitarist Papa Noel Nedule as music director, and included, in addition to the five core members named above, Jean-Papy Ramazani (vocals), Yves Ndjock of Cameroon (guitar), Sungu Debat (conga), and Viviane Arnoux of France (accordion). [1] [11]

By contrast to the increasingly fast, electronic Congolese music of the 1990s, the album's musical style was a throwback, with slow rumba tempos, acoustic guitars, and accordion. Reviewers noted the high quality of the musicians and the slow, smooth nature of the music. For example, Mark Romano wrote, "Here is the full glory of Congolese rumba, played with style and an elegant sensuality that is without equal in the world of African music. . . . There is no filler here, only unguent guitar work, honey-laced vocals, piping-hot percussion, and tight fat horns." [12] Christina Roden wrote, "The tunes uniformly reflect the languid yet well-marked Cuban clavé beat, chiming strings, and close-harmony vocals that characterized the older, more classic styles. There is not a single rough edge or hurried tempo within earshot. Ultimately, the project comes across as a mellifluous living history taught by those who know." [13] Rock critic Robert Christgau wrote "As long on lilt as it is devoid of drive, the abiding quietude is irrelevant to an up-and-at-'em mood. But when nothing seems sweeter than home, it's a blessed comfort--the harmonies whispering, the drums twining, the groove massaging each overtaxed muscle until the blood can do its work there and flow on." [14]

The album was critically well-received. Christgau gave the record an A−, [14] and Romano concluded "It would be difficult to top this recording for Congolese rumba album of the year or, for that matter, African album of the year." [12]

Second album, Congo Life (2003)

Papa Noel was ill when the second Kekele album was recorded, and did not participate. He was replaced on guitar by Rigo Star Bamundélé. [1] Ramazani and Ndjock also did not return for the second album. [15]

Similar to the first album, the second featured acoustic guitars and slow conga rhythms. Differently, it added flute, clarinet, and violin. [5] It includes a tribute to OK Jazz, Souvenirs-OK-Jazz. Reviewers again focused on the record's beauty. John Armstrong, for BBC Music, described the album's "[d]elicious melodies, inspired and original arrangements, faultless and non-indulgent playing, scalp-tingling voices." [16] The album's song composed by Rigo Star, Oyibi Bien, was singled out by two reviewers as particularly outstanding. [17] [18]

Christgau preferred the first album over the second, [14] but other reviewers felt differently. Rick Sanders of fRoots magazine wrote "here, a couple of years down the line, comes number two, an album that shows even more warmth, wit and soul than its predecessor." [18] John Pareles wrote in the New York Times , "Kekele is an alliance of musicians who have played in some of Congo's best-known bands, and on "Congo Life" (World Music), they feature acoustic instruments—guitars, woodwinds, marimbas—in pristinely recorded soukous that's no less danceable for its gentle arrangements." [19]

Third album, Kinavana (2006)

Papa Noel returned for the third album, on which Kekele was joined by saxophonist Manu Dibango, from Cameroon, and singers Mbilia Bel and Madilu System, both from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [20]

The title of the third album refers to an imaginary place, a combination of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Havana (Cuba). [21] The album explores the connections between Congolese and Cuban rumba music. In Kinavana, the band takes songs written or performed by the Cuban songwriter Guillermo Portabales, and plays them in a Congolese style, replacing their Spanish lyrics with Lingala ones. [20]

Band member Nyboma has pointed out that Cuban rumba — both the word and the dance -- derives from the Congolese nkumba, with the Spanish "r" added to the word, and that it was brought from Congo to Cuba in the transatlantic slave trade. [21] [22] [23] When Congolese rumba developed after World War II, it was heavily influenced by Cuban music. Thus, Kinavana incorporates at least three successive cultural crossings of the Atlantic—music and dance from Congo combining with other influences to become Cuban rumba, that same Cuban music then contributing to the Congolese rumba, and then bringing the music of Portabales into Congolese music for Kinavana.

This album also received positive reviews. Norman Weinstein wrote for All About Jazz : "This music sounds effortless, joyous, free of contrivance, and even for ears steeped mainly in jazz, intensely swinging. This is not just the best African album I've heard in years; it's superior to most of the world music releases that I've heard lately, from any place. What a case for how age can bring a perfect blend of musical seasonings." [24]

Live performances

Between their first concert tour, ten or eleven performances in the UK in November–December 2001, [1] [10] and what appears to be their most recent concert, a July 9, 2010 show at Bozar in Brussels, [25] one source reports that Kekele toured the United States and Canada in summer 2004 and summer 2006, and Europe in summer 2005 and summer 2007, as well as performing in the Canary Islands, Réunion, Guadeloupe, the Dominican Republic, Morocco, and Congo Brazzaville. [1] Additionally, their 2006 live album is described as being recorded "during Kekele's 2005 winter tour in Canada and the U.S." [26]

An incomplete list of reviewed or noteworthy performances include the following:

Discography

Rumba Congo

Congo Life

Kinavana

Live: Tournée Américaine & Canadienne

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of the Democratic Republic of the Congo</span> Overview of musical traditions in Congo-Kinshasa

Congolese music is one of the most influential music forms of the African continent. Since the 1930s, Congolese musicians have had a huge impact on the African musical scene and elsewhere. Many contemporary genres of music, such as Kenyan Benga and Colombian Champeta, have been heavily influenced by Congolese music. In 2021, Congolese rumba joined other living traditions such as Jamaican reggae music and Cuban rumba on UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soukous</span> African music genre

Soukous is a genre of dance music originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. It derived from Congolese rumba in the 1960s, with faster dance rhythms and bright, intricate guitar improvisation, and gained popularity in the 1980s in France. Although often used by journalists as a synonym for Congolese rumba, both the music and dance associated with soukous differ from more traditional rumba, especially in its higher tempo, song structures and longer dance sequences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ibrahima Sylla</span>

Ibrahima Sylla was a Senegalese record producer born in Ivory Coast and founder of the African music label Syllart Records. He was an internationally acclaimed musician whose production and music direction defined popular African music. From West African dance, to Congolese Soukous, to melodic griot-led songs, Sylla's signature as a music producer is unmistakable. He has demonstrated his familiarity with many contemporary African musical genres, and he has worked with most of Africa's musical greats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franco Luambo</span> Musical artist

François Luambo Luanzo Makiadi was a Congolese musician. He was a major figure in 20th-century Congolese music, and African music in general, principally as the leader for over 30 years of TPOK Jazz, the most popular and significant African band of its time. He is referred to as Franco Luambo or simply Franco. Known for his mastery of African Rumba, he was nicknamed by fans and critics "Sorcerer of the Guitar" and the "Grand Maître of Zairean Music", as well as Franco de Mi Amor by female fans. His most known hit, "Mario", sold more than 200,000 copies and was certified gold. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked him at number 71 on its list of the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

Les Quatre Etoiles was a Congolese musical group active from 1982 to 1996. They played the Soukous style of dance music, which gained widespread popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nyboma</span> Congolese musician

Nyboma Mwan'dido, often simply Nyboma, a prominent Congolese soukous tenor vocalist, has been over a fifty-year span a leading member of several outstanding bands, including Orchestre Bella Bella, Orchestre Lipua Lipua, Orchestre Kamale, Les Quatre Étoiles, and Kékélé, in addition to performing and recording as a solo artist. He is widely recognized as one of the best singers in Congolese music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricardo Lemvo</span> Musical artist

Ricardo Lemvo is a Congolese singer of Angolan descent who lives in Los Angeles, California. His music is a blend of African soukous, kizomba, samba and Cuban salsa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congolese rumba</span> Genre of African music and dance

Congolese rumba, also known as African rumba, is a dance music genre originating from the Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo. With its rhythms, melodies, and lyrics, Congolese rumba has gained global recognition and remains an integral part of African music heritage. In December 2021, it was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

Mose Se Sengo was a guitarist, composer and band-leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was one of the pioneers of Congolese Soukous.

Orchestre Rock-a-Mambo was a Congolese rumba band from Brazzaville of the 1950s. It was a studio band of the Esengo music studio.

Simaro Massiya Lutumba Ndomanueno, known as Simaro, was a Congolese music rhythm guitarist, songwriter, poet, composer, and bandleader. He was a member of the seminal Congo music band TPOK Jazz, which dominated the music scene in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Gaspard Wuta Mayi, commonly known as Wuta Mayi, is a Congolese rumba and soukous vocalist and composer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). From 1974 to 1982, he was a member of the band TPOK Jazz, led by Franco, which dominated the Congolese music scene from the 1960s through the 1980s. Since leaving TPOK Jazz he has recorded and performed as a solo artist, in addition to being one of the four members of the "supergroup" Les Quatre Etoiles, and subsequently a member of Kékélé.

Lola Djangi Chécain, was a soukous recording artist, composer, and vocalist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was once a member of the soukous band TPOK Jazz, led by François Luambo Makiadi, which dominated the Congolese music scene from the 1950s to the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Verckys Kiamuangana Mateta</span> DR Congolese musician (1944–2022)

Georges Kiamuangana Mateta, known professionally as Verckys, was a Congolese saxophonist, composer, bandleader, producer, record label founder, and music-business executive. He was renowned as a talented and prolific musician, and was the first indigenous African to own a record label, through which he introduced many major Congolese artists to the world.

Empompo "Deyesse" Loway, was a Congolese soukous recording artist, composer and saxophonist. He was a member of the soukous band TPOK Jazz, led by Franco Luambo, which dominated the Congolese music scene from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Papa Noel Nedule is a soukous recording artist and guitarist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Mavatiku Michelino Visi, commonly known as Michelino, is a soukous recording artist, composer, guitarist and vocalist, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He was a member of the Congolese band African Fiesta Nationale, which was later renamed Afrisa International, led by Congolese music superstar, Tabu Ley. Later, in the early 1970s, Michelino left Afrisa and joined TPOK Jazz, led by François Luambo Makiadi, which dominated the Congolese music scene from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Gerry Kassia Dialungana, was a Congo music recording artist and solo guitarist, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He was once a member of the soukous band TPOK Jazz, led by François Luambo Makiadi, which dominated the Congolese music scene from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Bopol Mansiamina, also known as Bopol or Don Paolo, was a prolific and renowned Congolese musician. He recorded and performed extensively over four decades as a solo artist, as a member of leading African bands, and in support of many African musicians. Bopol was best known for his work in the 1980s and early 1990s as one of the four members of the Paris-based supergroup Les Quatre Etoiles and as a solo artist.

Syran Mbenza is a guitarist, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who has lived in Paris since about 1981. He has recorded and performed prolifically over five decades, including as a solo artist; as one of the four members of the popular soukous "supergroup" Les Quatre Étoiles; as a founding member of the acoustic, Congolese rumba revival band Kékélé; in other bands; and in support of numerous artists. He has been described as one of the greatest guitar players of Africa.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Kekele - Biography". RFI Musique. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Margasak, Peter (22 July 2004). "Kekele". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  3. ↑ "Kekele Biography". Gateway of Africa. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  4. ↑ Nyanga, Caroline and Owuor, Mike (6 March 2009). "Devil of the guitar". The Standard (Nairobi). Retrieved 8 August 2017.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. 1 2 3 Hudson, Mark (4 Oct 2003). "'Kekele: Congo Life,' in CD reviews: Dave Matthews and more". Telegraph. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  6. ↑ Eyre, Banning. "Syran Mbenza speaks on the eve of Kekele's 2004 U.S. tour". Afropop Worldwide. Archived from the original on 11 February 2007.
  7. ↑ Denselow, Robin (2 October 2003). "Kekele, Congo Life". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  8. 1 2 "Rock/Pop Listings". The New York Times. 4 August 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  9. ↑ Montague, Tony (29 July 2004). "Festival Vancouver - The Return of the Rumba: Kékélé gives the Congolese sound new bounce". Georgia Straight-Vancouver's News & Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  10. 1 2 Sinnock, Martin (19 July 2012). "Live report on Kékélé's UK Tour, November & December 2001, saved version from 19 July 2012 of unavailable site http://www.africasounds.com/kekele.htm". archive.is. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2017.{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  11. ↑ "Kekele Biography". OLDIES.com. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  12. 1 2 Romano, Mark. "Rumba Congo - Kekele (Review)". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  13. ↑ Roden, Christina. "Rumba Soukous [sic], Kekele, Review". RootsWorld. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  14. 1 2 3 Christgau, Robert. "CG: Kekele". robertchristgau.com. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  15. ↑ Bessem, F.J. "Kékélé". Frank Bessem's Musiques d'Afrique. Archived from the original on 3 March 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  16. ↑ Armstrong, John. "Review of Kekele - Congo Life". BBC - Music -. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  17. ↑ Nickson, Chris. "Congo Life - Kekele". AllMusic. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  18. 1 2 Sanders, Rick. "Kekele / Congo Life (quoting review for fRoots)". cdroots.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  19. ↑ Pareles, Jon (15 April 2005). "CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK; This Is the Sound of Globalization". The New York Times.
  20. 1 2 Lusk, Jon. "Review of Kekele - Kinavana". BBC - Music. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  21. 1 2 Jenkins, Mark (4 August 2006). "KEKELE "Kinavana" Stern's". The Washington Post. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  22. ↑ "Kekele, Kinavana (Stern's Africa) - Press Release". Rock Paper Scissors -. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  23. ↑ "Kekele, Kinavana (Stern's Africa) - Concert Pick". Rock Paper Scissors. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  24. ↑ Weinstein, Norman. "Kekele: Kinavana (review)". All About Jazz. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  25. ↑ "Bozar a Bruxelles: 'African Gospel Day' et concerts de rumba acoustique". Congo Forum. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  26. ↑ "Live: Tournée Américaine & Canadienne - Kékélé". CD Baby. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  27. ↑ Griffiths, James (26 November 2001). "Kekele (concert review)". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  28. ↑ "Le show salsa d'Africando". Le Parisien. 15 November 2003.
  29. ↑ "POP AND JAZZ GUIDE". The New York Times. 30 April 2004. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  30. ↑ "POP AND JAZZ GUIDE". The New York Times. 9 July 2004.
  31. ↑ "Concert de bienfaisance "CONGO-Rythmes et rumba"". portal.unesco.org. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  32. ↑ "Kékélé: Congolese Rumba (4 July 2006)". Interchange (Blog). Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  33. ↑ Kiviat, Steve (7 August 2006). ""Kekele" in PERFORMING ARTS". The Washington Post. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  34. ↑ "Kékélé - Rumba Congo". Discogs. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  35. ↑ "Kékélé - Congo Life". Discogs. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  36. ↑ "Kékélé - Kinavana". Discogs. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  37. ↑ "Kinavana - Kekele - Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  38. ↑ "Kékélé - Live Tournée Américaine & Canadienne". Discogs. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.