Orchestra Super Mazembe---Kenya Soukous Stars---

Orchestra Super Mazembe (Bulldozers) were Soukous superstars in East Africa back in the 80's. Originally from Zaire (now Republic of Congo), they set up operations in Nairobi in 1974 and began scoring chart-topping hits and filling dance floors shortly thereafter. I am listening to a compilation album put out by Sterns Music and released by Earthworks in 2001, that collects a number of the band's greatest hits. It is really a fantastic sampler of the group. Sweet guitar, driving rhythms, bass lines bubbling up, soaring sublime harmonies, what more can you ask for? It's no small surprise that this band quickly became a sensation. And to my ears the music still sounds as fresh as it was 30 years ago.

After a hard day's work, and being in an unusually foul mood, listening to the first few songs brought a sea-change to my surly temperament. The music is infectiously happy music indeed, the lyrics seemingly about everyday events, universal situations. Songs about wandering husbands, love songs, difficulties of life, not having enough money. But as much about kicking back and enjoying yourself, sweeping your problems to the side for a little while. Super Mazembe Orchestra was founded by Mutonkole Longwa Didos, who died in 1999. It seems like most of the original members are no longer with us, unfortunately. Knowing how tough it is to make it over here, you can only imagine the difficulties this group must have endured. According to the copious liner notes to album, by Trevor Herman, they toured around a lot in Zambia, Uganda, and Zaire, in addition to Kenya, performing songs in different languages in order to gain more popularity regionally.



Kassongo is the awesome first song on the CD, and the group vocals are downright beatific. Can't stop smiling when I hear this number.





Mukala Musi, folks. Killer stuff. Even though the funkier music from Africa is getting attention these days via numerous recent African reissues, this is the kind of stuff that I enjoy the most. Earthworks put out a few East African comps way back when, Kenya Dance Mania and Guitar Paradise of East Africa, for those looking for some decent samplers. But I have to say this CD definitely hits the spot, abundant with the sort of joy that crosses international boundaries with impunity, my favorite form of globalization. Listen, and enjoy, and be more than a little amazed. A band on top of their game.