Ndombolo

Last updated

Ndombolo, also known as dombolo, is a genre of dance music originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [1] [2] [3] [4] Derived from soukous in the 1990s, with fast-paced hip-swaying dance rhythms, often accompanied by upbeat, percussion-driven music, the style became widespread in the mid-1990s and the subsequent decade, dominating dancefloors in central, eastern, and western Africa. It inspired West African popular music, coupé-décalé, Kuduro, and East African dance music. [5] [1] [4] [6] [7] [8]

Contents

Ndombolo customarily features lead vocalists, backup vocalists, guitars, horns, drums, and synthesized sounds. [9] The lyrics often explore themes of human relations, marriage, courtship, trickery, disappointment, and Congolese sociopolitical culture. [10] [11] [12] Prominent musicians such as Papa Wemba, Dany Engobo, Koffi Olomide, Werrason, Awilo Longomba, Quartier Latin International, Général Defao, Aurlus Mabélé, Extra Musica, Wenge Musica, and Wenge Musica Maison Mère played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre. [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]

Etymology

Etymologically, "ndombolo" derives from Kikongo, meaning "to ask or solicit". [17] The lexicologist Arizona M. Baongoli, specializing in Lingala, expounds that "ndombolo" encapsulates a genre of Congolese dance, literally meaning "gorilla" or "chimpanzee". [17] The dance choreography involves hip gyrations, showcasing the posterior while executing forward and backward movements. Baongoli posits that this stylized dance mimics gorillas' and chimpanzees' gait, dance, or movements during courtship rituals. [17] The Parisian writer Milau K. Lutumba elucidates that this metaphorical construct emerged as a collective expression of the Congolese populace's hope for an end to the brutality, terror, injustice, and misery perpetuated during the reign of president Mobutu Sese Seko. [18] The genesis of the term coincided with Mobutu's ouster from power by the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo, led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila. [18] In the aftermath of Mobutu's exile in May 1997, musicians immortalized Kabila as the embodiment of "ndombolo". Lutumba notes that this symbolic renaming marked a turning point in the country's history, signifying a desire for positive change and a departure from the oppressive era. [18] The term took on additional layers of meaning when president Kabila, seen for the first time on television in 1996, was immediately identified as a ndombolo—a dwarf, a characterization stemming from the extensive time he spent in the bush as a guerrilla fighter, highlighting his pliability, elasticity, and strategic intelligence, reminiscent of the smart monkeys often depicted in African tales. [18] In African folklore, the monkey character is portrayed as an intelligent figure who, through wit and cunning, prevails over larger, stronger animals such as lions and leopards. [18]

Form

Ndombolo's dance style is characterized by convulsive and fast-paced hip movements with intricate steps, combining floating arm movements, whirling body rotations, and ape-like poses. [19] [20] Men typically bend low and box in the air while women undulate their hips and bottoms with plenty of facial expressions. [19] [21] [22] The hip-swaying is often accompanied by synchronized footwork and precise leg movements while maintaining a relatively stationary upper body. Ndombolo is usually danced in pairs or groups. Dancers form close connections with their partners and engage in coquettish movements that reflect the connection present in the accompanying music. [19] [23] [21]

Meanwhile, the musical elements unfold in a frenetic sébène, a cyclic repetition of a certain number of notes during the passage of two chords, with an emphasis on the rhythm guitar. [20] [24] This repetitive soundscape gains momentum as the tempo intensifies, with the guitarist incorporating gimmicks and caesuras to craft a distinctive sound. [25] The role of the guitarist is shared with an atalaku, a singer who, from the music's outset, directs the percussion, galvanizes the audience, and augments assertive rhythms through impassioned MC harangue. [25] [20] The hypnotic sway of atalaku persists through powerful jolts of guitar and drums, emerging as the central pivot around which the rhythm revolves. [25]

History

Origins and foreign label takeover

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Franco Luambo, Tabu Ley Rochereau, and Zaïko Langa Langa revolutionized soukous by removing the horn section and wind instruments and elevating the snare drum and electric guitars. [26] [27] [21] Nelson George notes that this transformation resulted in a high-octane auditory quality that produced hits and dance crazes that gained popularity across Africa and major European cities, launching the careers of many homegrown artists, most notably world music singer Papa Wemba. [21] However, the fiscal insolvency that befell Congolese record labels such as Parions-Congo, Parions Mondenge, International Don-Dass, and Molende Kwi Kwi following the collapse of the Mazadis, Sophinza S.P.R.L., and Izason recording labels, coupled with the transition from vinyl to compact discs, led to national phonographic production sinking into lethargy during the 1980s. [28] Foreign labels specializing in African and Caribbean music took over, starting with Sonodisc and Sonima (France). However, this also gave the Democratic Republic of the Congo a substantive platform for the proliferation and cultivation of homegrown artists. [28]

Formation and paternity debate

Koffi Olomide and Papa Wemba in 1988 Papa Wemba and Koffi Olomide, 1988.jpg
Koffi Olomide and Papa Wemba in 1988

By the end of the 1990s, musicians such as Radja Kula, Wenge Musica, Koffi Olomide, and Général Defao joined Sonodisc, orchestrating a paradigm shift that transformed soukous into raunchy, fast-paced dance music, renaming it ndombolo. [21] [29]

The genre's paternity is a subject of contentious debate, with some attributing it to Radja Kula in 1995, [30] [31] and others crediting Wenge Musica. [32] [33] Researcher Manda Tchebwa posits that Wenge Musica's generation was instrumental in shaping the style. [20] [34] The BBC has also credited the band, acknowledging them as pioneers of the style, with their rapid hip movements and body swaying, occasionally accompanied by abrupt gestures. [35]

Heyday

Ndombolo quickly established itself as a popular African dance style across Africa and into the continent's diaspora in Belgium, France, the UK, Germany, Canada, and United States. [21] [29] [36] In May 1997, JB Mpiana's ndombolo-infused debut album, Feux de l'amour, became the first ndombolo album to attain a gold record, with over 150,000 copies sold. This success reverberated in Central Africa, East Africa, France, and Belgium, which in turn augmented ndombolo's visibility in francophone and anglophone countries. [37] [38]

Koffi Olomide's ndombolo album Loi, released in December 1997, also secured a gold record, with 25,000 copies sold in France and 105,000 internationally. [39] [40] The album's eponymous single became synonymous with ndombolo dance, making waves across Africa and France with a combination of the singer's deep baritone voice and sophisticated arrangements, blending old-school rumba and keyboard melodies and ending in a guitar climax. [41] [42]

On 29 August 1998, Olomide became the first Congolese artist to sell out the Olympia Hall in Paris. [43] The concert, featuring ndombolo-infused tracks, is widely acknowledged as crucial in popularizing the genre. [43] [44]

In December 1998, the Extra Musica ensemble from the Republic of the Congo released their fourth studio album, Etat-Major, marking the first ndombolo record to attain broad success in English-speaking African countries. The album's eponymous single is characterized by multi-thematic lyrics, catchy melodies, and distortion pedal guitar riffs. [45] [46]

In 1999, Wenge Musica Maison Mère released their ndombolo-infused certified gold album Solola Bien, which experienced immediate success in Africa and France. [47] The record's eponymous single, along with Ferré Gola's "Vita Imana", gained popularity in France, and the band was invited to perform at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris. [48] [49] [50]

Censorship and resurgence

Laurent-Désiré Kabila's rise to power in Congo prompted speculation and misinformation, with rumors of impending bans on miniskirts, women's pants, and love song on airwaves, as well as the closure of nightclubs. [51] [52] In 1998, Libération reported a perceptible decrease in the number of soukous orchestras in Kinshasa, along with strict regulation of public spaces. [51] Only a few nightclubs, including le Circus, le Seguin, le Gin Fizz, l'Imprévu, l'Atmosphère, le Savanana, and le M16 remained accessible for public revelry. [51]

By the early 2000s, numerous African television stations banned ndombolo due to its perceived "pornographic" nature, alleging that it compromised youth morality. In Cameroon, ndombolo faced prohibition for being deemed excessively erotic and obscene. Critics contended that Cameroon's imposition emanated from the belief that ndombolo encroached upon local music genres like makossa and bikutsi. [53] [54] By January 2004, the ban extended to Congolese state-operated radio and television outlets. [54] [55] In Senegal, certain hosts of Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise faced censure as a consequence of their association with ndombolo. [55] Paradoxically, despite prohibitions, record sales surged, and new releases continued to dominate discos, bars, and clubs across Africa, with its trademark bass, tingling guitars, and soaring falsettos. In Europe, the sound became synonymous with African music, catapulting artists like Papa Wemba into high demand. [56] [57]

Olomide released his album Monde Arabe in December 2004, gaining traction for blending ndombolo and Congolese rumba, accentuated by acoustic guitar interludes. [58] Meanwhile, Fally Ipupa's "Original" became a hit in 2014, reigniting interest in the genre after prominent ndombolo artists migrated to Europe. [59] [60] [61] [62] [63] [64]

Olamide's ndombolo-infused song "Selfie" (alternately known as "Ekoti té"), from his 2015 studio album 13ème Apôtre, rapidly became a viral sensation, amassing over a million views on YouTube within three weeks of its release. [65] [66] The accompanying hashtag #OpérationSelfie gained traction across various social media platforms and was endorsed by celebrities such as French singer Matt Pokora, Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba, and French-Congolese footballer Blaise Matuidi. [67] [68] [69] Meanwhile, Félix Wazekwa's breakthrough single "Fimbu", steeped in ndombolo rhythms, gained immense popularity during the lead-up to the 2016 African Nations Championship and emerged as a celebratory anthem for the Congolese national football team during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, inspiring a synchronized dance among players to commemorate each goal scored. [70] [71] [72] [73] [74]

Ya Levis Dalwear in 2022 L'artiste Congolais Ya Levis Dalwear se produisant a Paris.jpg
Ya Levis Dalwear in 2022

In June 2018, BM released a remix of his single "Rosalina", featuring Awilo Longomba, which gave rise to the "#RosalinaChallenge" trend on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This trend features exhilarating ndombolo motions synchronized with pulsating Congolese rhythms, encapsulating the precise articulation of the entire physical form, from limbs to waist. [75] [76] [77] [78] [79] "Ecole", from Fally's November 2018 album, Control, introduced a new dance known as the "Ecole dance", synonymous with ndombolo dance moves, embraced by numerous dancers on social networks. [80] [81] [82] [83]

Emerging ndombolo artists like Innoss'B, Robinio Mundibu, Gaz Mawete, and the Paris-based Ya Levis Dalwear surfaced. In September 2019, Inoss'B released a remix of his song "Yope", featuring Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, which became one of the most-viewed ndombolo songs on YouTube as well as the first song in East and Central Africa to surpass 150 Million views. [84] [85] In November 2020, Diamond Platnumz released a successful crossover ndombolo-infused Swahili song, "Waah", featuring Olomide. "Waah" became the first Sub-Saharan African song to reach two million views on YouTube in less than 24 hours. [86] [87] [88] In June 2021, Tanzanian singer Ali Kiba released his single "Ndombolo", featuring K2ga, Tommy Flavour, and Abdu Kiba, which was later included as a sample song for the ndombolo music genre on the Grammy Awards website. [89]

On 15 May 2022, French-Congolese singer Dadju released the ndombolo single "Ambassadeur", later certified gold, from his album Cullinan, shortly after being appointed as a cultural ambassador for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [90] [91] [92] [93] The song, featuring the Paris-based Congolese atalaku Brigade Sarbati, quickly became popular and amassed eleven million views on YouTube within a month. [94] [95]

Influence

French rap

Ndombolo has strongly impacted French hip hop from the Congolese diaspora. [41] The group Bisso Na Bisso pioneered the infusion of Congolese guitar patterns and rhythms into French rap in late 1990's. [96]

French rapper Naza pioneered the infusion of ndombolo rhythms into French rap. In September 2017, he released his Platinum-certified album Incroyable, predominantly blending ndombolo rhythms. Adorned with lead guitar tributes to musical collectives like Wenge Musica, Extra Musica, Quartier Latin, and Viva La Musica, the record emerged as a defining ndombolo-rap fusion in France. [97] [98] [99] On the single "Moi je vérifie", featuring Dadju and Aya Nakamura, Naza introduced a singing style synchronized with the rhythm of a dry[ clarification needed ] guitar. [97] This success paved the way for subsequent hits like Dadju's "Mafuzzy Style" (2018), Belgian rapper Damso's "Même issue", and Maître Gims with "Na Lingui Yo" [41] [100] [101] [102]

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">Papa Wemba</span> Congolese musician

Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, known professionally as Papa Wemba, was a Congolese singer and musician who played Congolese rumba, soukous, and ndombolo. Dubbed the "King of Rumba Rock", he was one of the most popular musicians of his time in Africa and played an important role in world music. He was also a fashion icon who popularized the Sape look and style through his musical group Viva la Musica, with whom he performed on stages throughout the world.

Zaïko Langa Langa is a Congolese rumba band formed in Kinshasa, in December 1969. Established by D.V. Moanda, Henri Mongombe, Marcellin Delo and André Bita, the band evolved from the Orchestre Bel Guide National, which is seen as Zaïko's predecessor. Other co-founders included Papa Wemba, Jossart N'Yoka Longo, Félix Manuaku Waku.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koffi Olomide</span> Congolese musician (born 1956)

Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba, known professionally as Koffi Olomidé, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, producer, and founder of Quartier Latin International. Often referred to as the "King of Ndombolo", he is noted for his explosive high notes, deep baritone, and offbeat voice. Agbepa is considered one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Congolese and African popular music. His lyrics often explore themes of love, politics, technology, success, infidelity, religion, chicanery, and disillusionment. Through his music and stage performances, he introduced the slower style of soukous known as Tcha Tcho and popularized a flamboyant fashion subculture called La Sape, alongside Papa Wemba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stade des Martyrs</span> Building in Africa

The Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte, or simply the Stade des Martyrs, is the national stadium of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in the Kinshasa commune of the capital Kinshasa. With a seating capacity of 80,000, it is the largest stadium in the DRC and the fourth-largest stadium in Africa. It serves as the home stadium for the Congolese football national team, AS Vita Club, and DCMP, making it the largest multifunctional venue in the country.

<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.

Barbara Kanam Mutund, known professionally as Barbara Kanam, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, music producer, actress, philanthropist, and currently serves as the Director General of the Cultural Promotion Fund of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She gained fame after being discovered by Alpha Blondy and producer Dodo Kone, who helped her release her debut studio album Mokili in 1999. The album's gospel-influenced lead single "Mokili Ekoleka" earned her a television appearance at the Koras Awards. Teti, her second studio album, released in 2003, won her Most Promising African Female Artist at the 2003 Kora Award. Teti won her many accolades, including two consecutive Best Female of Central Africa for Kunde d'Or and Tamani d'O in 2004, two consecutive Black Music Awards for Best Female and Best Video for "Bibi Madeleine" in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fally Ipupa</span> Congolese musician and dancer (born 1977)

Fally Ipupa N'simba, known professionally as Fally Ipupa, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, guitarist, and producer. Often referred to as the "Prince of Rumba", he is noted for his tenor vocals as well as his blend of contemporary and traditional Congolese music genres, including Congolese rumba, soukous, and ndombolo. His lyrics often cover themes of romance, suffering, and joy.

Innocent Didace Balume, known professionally as Innoss'B, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, rapper, percussionist, dancer, and philanthropist. Often referred to as the "Jeune Leader," he is renowned for pioneering the AfroCongo music genre, an eclectic fusion of Congolese rumba, indigenous folklore, and ndombolo.

<i>Droit Chemin</i> 2006 studio album by Fally Ipupa

Droit Chemin is the debut solo studio album by Congolese singer Fally Ipupa. It was released on June 10, 2006. The album was produced by David Monsoh. The album features guest appearances from Barbara Kanam, Maïka Munan, Krys, Mokobé, and Benji of Nèg' Marrons. It went gold for selling more than 100,000 copies in one month.

Gecko Bouro Mpela, also known as Bouro Mpela, is a soukous singer, dancer, and performer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was a member of the Quartier Latin International band, which was founded and led by Koffi Olomide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cindy Le Coeur</span> Congolese musician (born 1983)

Candy Nkunku, known professionally as Cindy Le Coeur, is a Congolese recording artist, singer, and dancer. She is a member of the Congolese band Quartier Latin International, formed and led by prolific musician Koffi Olomide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferré Gola</span> Congolose musician (born 1976)

Hervé Gola Bataringe, known professionally as Ferré Gola or Ferre Gola, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer. Revered as the "Jésus de Nuances", he is regarded as one of the most significant figures of the fifth-generation Congolese rumba. His lyrics predominantly revolve around themes of love, social support, and interpersonal relationships.

Laurette Ngoma Laperle, known professionally as Laurette la Perle is a Congolese singer songwriter, model and business woman from Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Wenge Musica Maison Mère, also spelled as WMMM, is a musical band founded in December 1997, by musicians Werrason, Didier Masela and Adolphe Dominguez, after the split of their original band, Wenge Musica, created in 1981. Since its foundation, the band has had a rivalry with former bandmate JB Mpiana's Wenge BCBG. Under the leadership of Werrason, the group developed stars such as vocalists Ferré Gola, Héritier Watanabe, Fabregas le Métis Noir and Bill Clinton Kalonji. The band faced its first split after Ferré, Bill Clinton and JDT Mulopwe left the band to found Les Marquis de Maison Mère in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ya Levis Dalwear</span> Congolese musician (born 1994)

Prince Nemiala, better known mononymously by his stage name YaLevis Dalwear or simply Ya Levis, is a Congolese vocalist, songwriter, and choreographer. He is known for his mellifluous ndombolo and African rumba ballads. He rose to prominence with hits like "Mokolo ya l'amour," "Libala," "Katchua," and "Mbangu Te," and has been making waves in the Congolese and African music industry.

Mongala Akelembi, professionally known as Robinio Mundibu, is a Congolese singer, songwriter and dancer. Akelembi began his career as a protégé of Do Akongo and later worked with Tutu Caludji, an ex-singer of Wenge Musica BCBG. In 2009, he joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère before branching out as a solo artist in 2014 with his debut singles "Vantard" and "Mbonzimbonzi". In the following year, he released four singles "Ye Yo Ok", "Etirette", "Zuwa", and "Compliqué".

Félix Nlandu Wazekwa, known professionally as Félix Wazekwa, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, author, filmmaker, dancer, and bandleader. Known for his Lingala deep lyrics and baritone voice, he is regarded as an influential figure in soukous and Congolese rumba music and one of the most prominent lyricists of his generation.

References

  1. 1 2 Tchakam, Stéphane (2 December 2003). "Cameroun : L'autre danse congolaise". Cameroon Tribune (in French). Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  2. White, Bob W. (1999). "Modernity's Trickster: "Dipping" and "Throwing" in Congolese Popular Dance Music". Research in African Literatures. 30 (4): 156–175. ISSN   0034-5210. JSTOR   3820759.
  3. Knights, Vanessa (29 April 2016). Music, National Identity and the Politics of Location: Between the Global and the Local. Thames, Oxfordshire United Kingdom: Routledge. p. 208. ISBN   978-1-317-09160-8.
  4. 1 2 Otiso, Kefa M. (24 January 2013). Culture and Customs of Tanzania. New York City, New York State, United States: Bloomsbury Publishing USA. ISBN   979-8-216-06991-1.
  5. Falt-Brown, Amaury (12 March 2020). "Afrobeats: The meteoric rise of a misnomer". Music in Africa. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  6. Sobania, Neal W. (30 June 2003). Culture and Customs of Kenya. Santa Barbara, California, United States: Bloomsbury Publishing USA. pp. 207–208. ISBN   978-0-313-03936-2.
  7. AfroConex (9 March 2023). "Spreading Ndombolo Dance Across Africa with Bush Sebar". AfroConex. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  8. Kabwe, Jason (15 March 2013). "Ndombolo Craze". Czech Radio (in Czech). Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  9. Falola, Toyin; Jean-Jacques, Daniel (14 December 2015). Africa [3 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society [3 volumes]. Santa Barbara, California, United States: ABC-CLIO. p. 627. ISBN   978-1-59884-666-9.
  10. Education, Pan African Society for Musical Arts (2005). Emerging Solutions for Musical Arts Education in Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: African Minds. pp. 333–334. ISBN   978-1-920051-11-2.
  11. Kuoni, Carin; Haines, Chelsea (22 January 2016). Entry Points: The Vera List Center Field Guide on Art and Social Justice No. 1. Durham, North Carolina, United States: Duke University Press. ISBN   978-0-8223-7395-7.
  12. 1 2 Anheier, Helmut K.; Isar, Yudhishthir Raj (31 March 2012). Cultures and Globalization: Cities, Cultural Policy and Governance. Thousand Oaks, California, United States: SAGE. p. 174. ISBN   978-1-4462-9172-6.
  13. Heidenreich-Seleme, Lien; O'Toole, Sean (2012). Über(w)unden: Art in Troubled Times. Johannesburg, South Africa: Jacana Media. p. 66. ISBN   978-1-4314-0497-1.
  14. Falola, Toyin; Jean-Jacques, Daniel (14 December 2015). Africa [3 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society [3 volumes]. London, England: Bloomsbury Publishing USA. ISBN   979-8-216-04273-0.
  15. Ndi-Shang, Gil (3 April 2021). The Radio and Other Stories. Spears Media Press. p. 15.
  16. Seck, Nago (31 August 2007). "Ndombolo". Afrisson (in French). Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  17. 1 2 3 Manzekele, Roger (3 November 2018). "L'Origine de Ndombolo : Lorsque le nom "Ndombolo" est évoqué, beaucoup pensent directement au style musical inspiré de la Rumba et du Soukous congolais". Kongolisolo.co (in French). Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Lutumba, Milau K. (2001). "Atalaku, the People's Eye and Memory From "Ndombolo" to "Plein na Plein": a critique of President L. D. Kabila's regime in popular music". Présence Africaine (163/164): 69–79. ISSN   0032-7638. JSTOR   24352157.
  19. 1 2 3 Sörgel, Sabine (30 March 2020). Contemporary African Dance Theatre: Phenomenology, Whiteness, and the Gaze. Springer Nature. p. 55. ISBN   978-3-030-41501-3.
  20. 1 2 3 4 Tchebwa, Manda (30 November 2002). "N'Dombolo: the identity-based postulation of the post-Zaïko generation" [N'Dombolo: the identity-based postulation of the post-Zaïko generation]. Africultures (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 George, Nelson; Carr, Daphne (20 October 2008). Best Music Writing 2008. New York City, New York State, United States: Hachette Books. p. 129. ISBN   978-0-7867-2612-7.
  22. Epalanga, Kalaf (13 June 2023). Whites Can Dance Too. London, United Kingdom: Faber & Faber. ISBN   978-0-571-37145-7.
  23. Elbadawi, Soeuf (11 April 2003). "RFI Musique – Ndombola fever". www1.rfi.fr. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  24. Bemba, Audifax (10 October 2023). "Le sébène dans la musique congolaise moderne" [Sebène in modern Congolese music]. Congopage (in French). Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  25. 1 2 3 Anheier, Helmut K; Isar, Yudhishthir Raj, eds. (31 March 2012). Cultures and Globalization: Cities, Cultural Policy and Governance. Thousand Oaks, California, United States: SAGE. p. 174. ISBN   978-1-4462-9172-6.
  26. Koskoff, Ellen (2008). The Concise Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: Africa ; South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; The United States and Canada; Europe; Oceania. Thames, Oxfordshire, England, UK: Routledge. p. 87. ISBN   978-0-415-99403-3.
  27. African, New (15 August 2018). "The mixed legacy of DRC musician Franco". New African Magazine. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  28. 1 2 Tsambu, Léon (2 December 2014). "L'industrie du disque en République démocratique du Congo". Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  29. 1 2 Buettner, Elizabeth (24 March 2016). Europe after Empire: Decolonization, Society, and Culture. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. p. 313. ISBN   978-1-316-59470-4.
  30. Ngaira, Amos (22 August 2020). "Dancing styles innovator Radja Kula Mbuta takes last bow". Nation. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  31. Mafuta, Masand (5 September 2020). "Kinshasa: Gentiny Ngobila s'engage mordicus pour l'organisation des obsèques de Radja Kula" [Kinshasa: Gentiny Ngobila is committed to organizing the funeral of Radja Kula]. AxeNordSud Media (in French). Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  32. Otieno, Charles. "The return of Wenge Musica". Evewoman Magazine. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  33. "25-Year Wenge Musica Face-Off Appears to End". Afropop Worldwide. 14 April 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  34. "Antoine Manda Tchebwa : "La musique a été le déclic qui m'a poussé à me tourner vers l'écriture"" [Antoine Manda Tchebwa: "Music was the trigger that pushed me to turn to writing"]. Radio Okapi (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  35. Makumeno, Emery (1 July 2022). "Musique : qu'est-ce que le clan Wenge, pionnier de la danse Ndombolo ?" [What is the Wenge clan, pioneers of Ndombolo dance?]. BBC News Afrique (in French). Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  36. Makumeno, Emery (1 July 2022). "Musique : qu'est-ce que le clan Wenge, pionnier de la danse Ndombolo ?". BBC News Afrique (in French). Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  37. "Personnes | Africultures : Mpiana J.B." Africultures (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  38. The Beat, Volume 19. Toronto, Ontario: Bongo Productions. 2000. p. 37.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  39. Kribios-Kauta, Adjuvant (16 April 2022). "13 albums paraphés par des trophées majeurs et des concerts historiques : la décennie 90 de Koffi Olomidé". Kribios Universal (in French). Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  40. "Les 7 Ndombolo qui nous ont fait vibrer aux années 90 à la veille de l'an 2000". Kribios Universal (in French). 12 November 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  41. 1 2 3 "Le Ndombolo". Site de miziki-ya-congo ! (in French). 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  42. B, Charlotte (6 November 2023). "Five essential songs of Koffi Olomide". Afroculture.net. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  43. 1 2 Labesse, Patrick (29 August 1998). "Koffi Olomidé, un crooner africain à l'Olympia". Le Monde.fr (in French). Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  44. Bensignor, Francois (1 September 1998). "Koffi Olomidé à l'Olympia". RFI Musique (in French). Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  45. Kiese, Mboka (21 July 2005). "Quentin Moyascko, d'Extra Musica, le vrai" [Quentin Moyascko, from Extra Musica, the real one]. Congopage (in French). Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  46. Okokana, Bruno (24 June 2013). "Musique : le groupe Extra Musica Zangul récompensé quatre fois" [Music: the group Extra Musica Zangul awarded four times]. www.adiac-congo.com (in French). Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  47. Rorison, Sean (2012). Congo: Democratic Republic – Republic. Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 83. ISBN   978-1-84162-391-7.
  48. "Biographie Férré Gola". musicMe (in French). Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  49. Wangare, Jackline (1 April 2019). "15 of the best Ferre Gola songs you will thoroughly enjoy". Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  50. Matanda, Alvin (21 June 2023). "RDC : 10 chansons de Ferre Gola à écouter avant son concert au stade des Martyrs". Music In Africa (in French). Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  51. 1 2 3 Daoudi, Bouziane (29 August 1998). "World. Le chanteur ex-zaïrois en concert à l'Olympia. Koffi Olomidé, Rambo de la rumba. Koffi Olomidé. Samedi à 23 heures à l'Olympia, 28, bd des Capucines, Paris IXe. Tél.: 01 47 42 25 49. Album: "Loi", Sonodisc" [World. The ex-Zairian singer in concert at the Olympia. Koffi Olomidé, Rambo of rumba. Koffi Olomide. Saturday at 11 p.m. at the Olympia, 28, bd des Capucines, Paris 9th. Tel.: 01 47 42 25 49. Album: "Law", Sonodisc.]. Libération (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  52. Daoudi, Bouziane (18 April 1998). "World. Roi de la rumba congolaise depuis 25 ans, il fait halte à Paris. La dictature passe, Pépé Kallé reste. Pépé Kallé et Empire Bakuba, Samedi soir, à 21 h, parc des Expositions, porte de Versailles, XVe. Tél.: 01 43 55 55 12" [World. King of Congolese rumba for 25 years, he stops in Paris. The dictatorship passes, Pépé Kallé remains. Pépé Kallé and Empire Bakuba, Saturday evening, at 9 p.m., Parc des Expositions, Porte de Versailles, 15th century. Tel.: 01 43 55 55 12.]. Libération (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  53. "Anger at Cameroon dance ban; BBC News Archived 2009-06-01 at the Wayback Machine ", BBC News, 25 July 2000
  54. 1 2 Falola, Toyin; Jean-Jacques, Daniel (14 December 2015). Africa [3 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society [3 volumes]. New York City, New York State, United States: Bloomsbury Publishing USA. ISBN   979-8-216-04273-0.
  55. 1 2 Nzale, Félix (3 February 2004). "Sénégal: Ndombolo, mapuka : ces danses jugées indésirables" [Senegal: Ndombolo, mapuka: these dances considered undesirable]. Sudquotidien.sn (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  56. Woods, Sarah (6 July 2017). The 50 Greatest Musical Places. North Road, London, United Kingdom: Icon Books. ISBN   978-1-78578-190-2.
  57. Elbadawi, Soeuf (11 April 2003). "Génération Ndombolo". RFI Musique (in French). Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  58. René-Worms, Pierre (14 January 2005). "Koffi Olomidé". RFI Musique (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  59. Loubassou, Grace (10 May 2014). "Congo-Kinshasa: Fally Ipupa est "Original" !" [Congo-Kinshasa: Fally Ipupa is "Original"!]. AllAfrica (in French). Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  60. Coulibaly, Justin (3 October 2021). "Fally Ipupa n°1 sur YouTube dans quatre pays africains" [Fally Ipupa number 1 on YouTube in four African countries]. Afrik (in French). Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  61. Mutuku, Ryan (3 April 2019). "15 best Fally Ipupa songs and videos". Tuko.co.ke. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  62. "Faly Ipupa : la personnalité africaine de l'année 2015 ( Article + vidéo)". Ba Sango Ya Congo Kinshasa. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  63. redaction, La (7 January 2015). "Fally Ipupa: appointed the best artist of the year 2014". Africa Top Success. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  64. Mutara, Eugene. "Rwanda: Memories Through Congolese Music". AllAfrica. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  65. Forson, Viviane (5 November 2015). "Musique : Koffi Olomidé séduit la planète selfie". Le Point (in French). Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  66. Ekedi, Teclaire Dina (13 November 2015). "Selfie réussi pour Koffi Olomide". Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  67. Mesnager, Paul (2 November 2015). "Vidéo : Didier Drogba et l'Impact de Montréal en mode "Selfie" de Koffi Olomidé – Jeune Afrique". JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  68. Ekedi, Teclaire Dina (13 November 2015). "Selfie réussi pour Koffi Olomide". Music in Africa (in French). Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  69. Forson, Viviane (5 November 2015). "Musique : Koffi Olomidé séduit la planète selfie". Le Point (in French). Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  70. Enyimo, Martin (10 February 2016). "Chan 2016 : le trophée des Léopards présenté à la population de Kinshasa" [Chan 2016: the Léopards trophy presented to the population of Kinshasa]. www.adiac-congo.com (in French). Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  71. Jourdier, Marc (1 February 2017). "DRC's dancing footballers leave mark at Afcon 2017". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  72. "FIMBU: DR Congo's dancing footballers leave mark at AFCON". Independent.co.ug. Kampala, Uganda. 31 January 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  73. "DR Congo's dancing footballers leave mark at Africa Cup of Nations". Worldsoccertalk.com. 5 February 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  74. Toskin, Robin. "Dancing Leopards tackle stars: Can Kenya prevent DR Congo from whipping with Wazekwa's 'Fimbu'?". The Standard. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  75. "BM Feat Awilo Longamba – Rosalina (Remix) | GetMziki". 4 September 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  76. Tabalia, Jedidah (12 November 2019). "South African dance moves that have made it internationally". Briefly. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  77. BM shows us how to do Rosalina Challenge – BBC What's New? , retrieved 15 September 2023
  78. Gachanja, Nelly (13 January 2019). "Top 10 African Dance Styles of 2018 – Africa.com". www.africa.com. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  79. "BM". Music in African. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  80. Guizz (26 July 2018). "Fally Ipupa fait un retour tout en attitude avec "Ecole"". Booska-p.com (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  81. Jacques, Sika Jean (21 August 2018). "Fally Ipupa est le chanteur congolais le plus vue sur YouTube" [Fally Ipupa is the most viewed Congolese singer on YouTube]. Les Echos du Congo Brazzaville (in French). Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  82. Sissoko, Ayse (24 July 2018). "RDC – Musiques : Fally Ipupa retourne à l'école du n'dombolo" [DRC – Music: Fally Ipupa returns to the n’dombolo school]. JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  83. Mbote, Redaction (7 January 2021). "Fally Ipupa en visite dans une école en Côte d'Ivoire". Mbote (in French). Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  84. Milimo, Dennis (29 April 2021). "Diamond & Innoss'B's Yope Remix becomes first song in East Africa to hit 150 Million Views". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  85. Egbejule, Eromo (24 December 2019). "2019 in African pop: 10 must-listen tracks". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  86. "Diamond break YouTube record after releasing new music video". 1 December 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  87. "Diamond Platnumz's Waah hits 100 million on YouTube". The Citizen. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  88. Kamau, Richard (22 April 2021). "Revealed: How Much Diamond Earned From 'Waah' Hit on YouTube". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  89. Maganga, Charles (29 July 2022). "Ali Kiba's Ndombolo Lands on the Grammy's List | Notjustok East Africa". Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video – Notjustok. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  90. "Découvrez le clip "Ambassadeur" de Dadju featuring Brigade Sarbati" [Discover the clip "Ambassadeur" by Dadju featuring Brigade Sarbati]. mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 15 May 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  91. "RDC : comment Gims et Dadju ont obtenu leur passeport diplomatique auprès de Tshisekedi" [DRC: how Gims and Dadju obtained their diplomatic passports from Tshisekedi]. Jeuneafrique.com (in French). Paris, France. 2 February 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  92. Dianou, Claudia (31 January 2022). "RDC : nommés ambassadeurs de la Rumba, Maître Gims et Dadju reçoivent leurs passeports diplomatiques" [DRC: appointed ambassadors of rumba, Maître Gims and Dadju receive their diplomatic passports]. Benin Web TV (in French). Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  93. Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (30 April 2024). "Brigade Sarbaty décroche un single d'or avec "Ambassadeur" de Dadju" [Brigade Sarbaty scores a gold single with "Ambassadeur" by Dadju]. mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  94. "Roga Roga valide la chanson "Ambassadeur" de Dadju featuring Brigade Sarbati" [Roga Roga validates the song "Ambassador" by Dadju featuring Brigade Sarbati]. mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  95. Ambangito, Franck (27 January 2016). "Brigade Sarbati précurseur du rôle d'animateur chanteur" [Brigade Sarbati precursor of the role of singer host]. 7sur7.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  96. Sauphie, Eva (10 June 2022). "Passi : "Les artistes afro-urbains doivent beaucoup au Bisso Na Bisso"". JeuneAfrique.com (in French).
  97. 1 2 Mutombo, Onassis (29 November 2017). "Naza, le (ré)inventeur du "ndombolo" !". Arts.cd (in French). Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  98. ToniS (31 August 2017). "Naza : le phénomène Creillois sur lequel il faut miser". Booska-p.com (in French). Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  99. "Les certifications". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  100. B., Chris (23 January 2021). "Du Congo à la pop internationale, le lingala fait rayonner la culture". La ZEP (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  101. Sar, Yerim (9 May 2018). "Le Congo dans le rap français [DOSSIER]". Booska-p.com (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  102. Glodi, Besanzami Ngono (11 June 2023). "Mbote ! Le lingala à la conquête du monde (Tribune)". Actualite.cd (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2023.