THE POETRY OF CONGOLESE RUMBA

 There is a wide portraiture of music from Congo but my favorite is Rumba. Rumba is not just music, it is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped Congolese lifestyle and outlook for years. The influence of  Congolese music is widely felt across Africa. Rumba has distinguished itself as a genre of choice among the educated middle class across the continent.

Franco Luambo Makiadi and his protege Madilu System (real name Jean De Dieu "Bialu" Makiase) have all played a significant role in the growth and evolution of African Rumba. Madilu System - whose husky (almost gruff) baritone voice stands in a stark contrast to the common  Congolese airy tenor popularized by Simaro Lutumba, Canta Nyboma, Tabu Ley and Ferre Gola - was a major engine in this growth. Madilu's talent went beyond onstage or studio delivery, he was also an astute composer. His lyrics are rich with imagery, pun and humour as you'll see from a few sampled here.

                                                              Madilu System (Courtesy: LastFm)

And Speaking of Poetry, no one quite deserves the comparison than the Late Simaro Lutumba. One of the last surviving the members of the original TPOK Jazz, he is largely credited for the composition of a number of hit singles including Madilu System's "eau bénite". Colloquially referred to as "Le Poete", there is no question that Simaro Masiya deserved the name. His music is distinctively poetic. He had a way with words that few can match. His compositions are timeless masterpieces for which countless re-editions, covers and imitations have been made. Mentions can also be made of Wuta Mayi, Canta Nyboma, Carlito Lassa, Dindo Yogo who in their own rights have contributed majorly in this rich repertoire of poetic music.

"Makolo ya Massiya" by Carlyto Lassa for example is a piece of poetic music that's so astutely composed and arranged. It is deeply philosophical and employs an array of stylistic devices to bring the point home. The song whose tittle directly translates to "The feet of Christ" is not regarded as a gospel song but does preach the gospel of love far much better than most gospel artistes of today. The song goes in part...

"Tongo eteni eh (The dawn breaks)
Moyi ekobima kasi ngai na motema eh Molili makasi" (The light shines but in my heart there's pitch darkness)

Butu ekoti eh (Dusk settles)
Ngai na tangi buku ya Nzambe (I read the book of God)
Banda Genèse ti na Apocalypse (From Genesis to The Apocalypse)

One of my all favourite Congolese Rumba is Sorozo by Tabu Ley, especially the re-edition done by one Tchicose Mazembe. An emotional song that never fails to move the listener, the song ebbs and flows like stream, makes you want to dance or weep and really works out your mind. It is a testament to the creative genious of Tabu Ley.

Ami naluli yo na position nayo ya tenue ya velours eh
Anisi marie zamba! ×2 (Friend, how I desire you with your velvet outfits)

 
Tango yo olekaki mabele pe matiti maningani maman,
Annie mon amour! (When you pass by the earth and...  dance together)

 
Annie eh maman zongisa nga liloba (Annie, give me a response)
Na lala pongi té, motema se kokanisa, (I don't sleep for I have many thoughts in my mind)
Sorozo ya maman oboyi ti nakoseka. (You leave me, and I laugh)
Otié nga na pasi, na solola na nani eh? (You leave me in pain, who do I talk to?)
Na libala koswana elakisa nde bolingo (In marriage quarrels indicate {the presence of}love)
Ya nga na yo lelo ekomi nde toyinana, maman... (But for me today it {indicates the presence of} hatred)
Anisi marie zamba ahh.

 

Of course the beauty is lost in translation, but these few illustrations show just how poetic Congolese music can be. We could add many songs to this list (including Bana System's "Mama Molangi" and "Bolingo ya Thermometre"; Madilu System's "Eau bénite"; Simaro Lutumba's "Maya"; Doudou Copa's "Pondu ya Limbondo" - which you should by all means listen to; Ferre Gola's "365 Jours:" and Fally Ipupa's "Liputa") but we'll let the above suffice for today.

 

For some of Madilu System's best Quotes, click here.