Tags: Afro Funk

Review: Analog Africa has repressed the highly valued and long since sold-out Congo Funk! Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River: Kinshasa/Brazzaville 1969-1982. It is a compilation that superbly shows off the raw energy and funkiness of the Congolese rumba scene. This is the country that spawned such as legendary bands as African Jazz, OK Jazz and African Fiesta and it is said that the concert ahead of the legendary Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman is what really set young hopefully musicians on their paths, after they saw James Brown play live. The story of those artists and the labels they released on in the ensuing years is what is told so well here across four sides of vital wax.

Review: The making of Congo Funk!, Analog Africa's long-awaited journey to the musical heart of the African continent, took them on two journeys, one to Kinshasa and one to Brazzaville. A tale of two cities, the fourteen pieces included on this double LP showcase the many facets of the Congolese capitals, and highlight the bands and artists, both famous and obscure, who pushed Rumba to new heights, ultimately influencing the musical landscape of the entire continent and beyond.