Kekele

In 2001, Kekele was formed by a group of veteran Congolese musicians, including guitarist Syran Mbenza and vocalists Wutu Mayi and Nyboma from the successful Quatre Etoiles, and also singers Bumba Massa and Loko Massengo. They came together to get back to the roots spirit of the great and influential Congo sound. Using hand percussion and acoustic guitars, no synthesizers or electronics beyond an electric bass, and composing new songs in the old style, Kekele certainly pricked up ears with their debut release, Rumba Conga.

The band's true promise emerged later, in 2003, with their more confident and well-received follow-up, Congo Life, one of the most satisfying Congolese music releases in many years. Each singing star composes and showcases, with the others filling out rich harmonies. The new compositions stand up well, but each album also nods to the past, the first with a medley of songs by Joseph Kabasele (The Grand Kalle) and the second with a medley of Franco hits.

Kekele offers a brilliant realization of an idea the world has been crying for: Just because young Africans are thrilling to the machine-driven, hip hop-tinged sounds coming out of today's Kinshasa, that doesn't mean we have to bury the sweetness of the old rumba forever. Congo music is big enough for both! And Kekele are the proof.

Contributed by: Banning Eyre of Afropop.org