Rumba Jazz Ensemble
Origin: Congo / France / Cuba
An irresistible groove band! A leading figure on the Congolese scene, pianist Ray Lema pays a tremendous tribute to Congolese rumba, to the legendary orchestras of the golden age of this UNESCO intangible heritage.
Line-up
Ray Lema (claviers & voix), Fredy Massamba (voix), Ballou Canta (voix), Michel Alibo (basse), Dharil Esso (batterie), Irving Acao (sax ), Rodriguez Vanguama (guitare), Sylvain Gontard (trompette), Michael Joussein (trombone)
Artists
About us
On his latest album, he pays a moving tribute to Franco Luambo, icon of Congolese rumba and founder of the Almighty OK JAZZ. With the eight musicians in his band, he revisits this repertoire while infusing it with contemporary sounds, thanks in particular to the drums and a flamboyant brass section. It's impossible to sit still while listening to these irresistibly groovy tunes!
After the uppercut On entre K.O, on sort O.K, his tribute to Franco, acclaimed by critics and acclaimed by audiences across the globe, Ray Lema continues his declaration of love to the music of his childhood, his madeleine de Proust: Congolese rumba.
The former “ngembo” (bat in Lingala) of Kinshasa's “ngandas” (musical bars) revisits the standards and classics of legendary orchestras from the golden age of this UNESCO intangible heritage: Franco Luambo, Tabu Ley, Franklin Bukaka, Docteur Nico, Wendo Kolosoi, Les Bantus de la Capitale, Franck Lassan, Les Grands Maquisards, Les Frères Soki de Bella Bella.
At the end of 2021, Congolese rumba became part of humanity's intangible heritage: a sign of the importance of this musical style in the history of world music.Its songs in Lingala, its electric guitars and its “kings of SAPE” left their mark on the 20th century.
Once again, the “savanturier” and his crew are at it again, with one leitmotiv: to pass on to the next generation this priceless musical treasure that will knock your socks off.
Gallery
