An all-star line-up from the cream of Congolese rumba recreates the golden days of Franco's OK Jazz.
In the early 1960s rumba was the dominant force in African music, and leading the charge was the greatest of the big bands of Congo's belle epoque, Franco's OK Jazz. Among recent revivals of this retro rumba style, few bands have come close to the heady heights of Franco. Now, led by guitarist Dizzy Mandjeku (Franco's OK Jazz; Tabu Ley's Afrisa), this 11-piece big-band has been specially formed to do just that. Joining Dizzy are former OK Jazz singers Malage de Lugendo, Nana and Baniel and veteran Seigneur Lokombe, plus guitar legend Papa Noel and bassist Djo Mali.
With twin saxophones punctuating a melody-drenched backline of mellifluous African grooves, this custom-made Congolese supergroup presents Rumba Odemba - a majestic big-band style true to the original OK Jazz blueprint.
£16
