The King Of Soukous
Two things remain constant; change and the power of music. Music is one magical language that transcends race, class, gender, status and every other boundary. Throughout history, music has been presented in different genres and styles, serving different purposes and evoking different feelings and emotions within listeners. However, not all songs outlive their era or generation. Blast from the Past has been curated to celebrate Africa-Diasporan songs that will forever be immortalized.
This week, the focus is on Tabu Ley Rochereau. Tabu Ley Rochereau was a Congolese singer, songwriter and bandleader who redefine the genre of Soukous. Soukous is a genre the emerged from the Congolese Rumba within the 1960s. This genre of dance music is a euphonious blend of rhythms and guitar melodies.
With humble beginnings, as a vocalist with Le Grand Kallé et l’African Jazz, Rochereau musical career took off in 1956 after the band performed with Joseph Kabasele. From that encounter, Rochereau ventured into composing his own band and creating musical content that would become widespread across Africa and the world. From the 1960s into the 1990s, Rochereau led one of the top soukous band within Africa. Tabu Ley was the first African artist to play at the Olympia in France.
Tabu wrote and recorded thousands of songs as a bandleader, songwriter, and arranger. His music sought to infuse both local African rhythms with elements of international pop and jazz. It is estimated that over his career, Tabu Ley composed up to 3,000 songs and produced approximately 250 albums.
Singers such as Koffi Olomide, Pepe Ndombe Opetum, and Papa Wemba have all proclaimed that Tabu Ley inspired their music and singing style.
This week celebrate the legacy of Tabu Ley Rochereau. This week the category is ” The Soul of Soukous.
Muzina
Similar to a psalm, Muzina is a song which gives praise to God. Off the album “Muzina,” Muzina is a gospel song in which Tabu Ley encourages listeners and consumers to pray, praise, and give thanks to God.
Shawuri Yako
Shawuri Yako means It’s Your problem or matter. This song is a duet between Mbilia Bel & Tabu Ley Rochereau. The original version was recorded by Nguashi N’Timbo and L’Orchestre Festival du Zaire.
Maze
Released in 1980, Maze is a love song. Maze depict the tale of love between a man and woman. The song Maze became such a hit in Kenya that the word “Maze” was incorporated into the local jargon in Nairobi.
Kaful Mayay
Kaful Mayay was released in 1973 and is off the album, “Kaful Mayay.” Kaful Mayay captures the woes of a woman in distress about the several issues within her marriage.
Mokolo Nakokufa
Mokolo Nakokufa speaks to the day of death. Tabu Ley takes the listener on a solemn journey where he discusses what will happen on the day of his death. This song is bound to force you to think of how short life can be.
Lettre à Mr le DG
Tabu Ley Rochereau partnered with Grand Maitre Franco to create this political ballad. The song translates into criticism of the Bureaucrats who were in charge of Zairean parastatals during the time period.
Ngungi
Another joint collaboration from Tabu Ley Rochereau and Grand Maitre Franco, Ngungi details the trails of success as a musician. The duo touch on fakeness, gossip, and distress that can come with fame and success and how they affect an individual.
Sorozo
Sorozo is a smooth blend of harmony singing and endlessly entwining guitar line in true Soukous fashion.
Lal´aby
Lal´aby is a cover of The Beatles’ “Let It Be” in Lingala, a language spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tabu Ley Rochereau has a vast catalogue of songs which tell numerous tales. Be sure to check out some of his other hit songs from his classic discography such as Adio Tethe, Chrisitina, Mercillina, and Sukaina.