Pour nos lecteurs francophones: Cliquez ici pour la version française de cet article

The evolution of Congolese popular music in the 1960s and 70s is generally classified into two major schools: African Jazz & OK Jazz. The main representatives of those schools are Joseph Kabasele alias Grand Kallé, founder of African Jazz, and Franco Luambo, co-founder of O.K. Jazz. Two temperaments and ambiances, one commonly referred to as ‘fiesta’, the other as ‘odemba’, both seeking their own sublimity or ideal.

For the very first time, a compilation brings together explicitly the main protagonists of the two bands on the same album, with a collection of their songs recorded in the early sixties for the Surboum African Jazz label, in addition to three tracks made by Kallé’s bands in the late sixties.

The heirs of Joseph Kabasele and Franco Luambo kindly gave permission in Kinshasa to release this original selection on Planet Ilunga about these virtuosi of Congolese Rumba on Planet Ilunga.

** Pre-orders through our website, email or Bandcamp. Release date is Wednesday 7th of May (start shipping on 2nd of May) **

Release info

• * 2LP album with a large 16-page booklet: tracklist
• * liner notes in English & French
• * made in collaboration with the estates of Joseph Kabasele & Franco Luambo
• * design: Fiona Oikonomidou
• * studio engineers: Pieter De Wagter (remastering) & Michael Kuhn (lacquer cut)
• * numbered LP edition
• * manufactured by Pallas (Germany)
• * worldwide distribution

Acknowledgements

Concept & compilation: Bart Cattaert
Notes: Sylvain Mingiele-Konko, Souzy Kaseya, Samuel Malonga, Bart Cattaert
Art Direction: Fiona Oikonomidou
Proofing: Hayat Assabounti & Alastair Johnston
Audio restoration & mastering: Pieter De Wagter (EQuuS)
Lacquer cut: Michael Kuhn (Manmade Mastering)
Video editor: Aaron Minnebo
Manufacturer: Pallas in coordination with Britta Fanck (Handle With Care)

My gratitude to: Guigui, Titina, Nono and Patrick Kabasele, Yves Luambo Emongo, Souzy Kaseya, Sylvain Mingiele-Konko, Liliane Kasanda, Hama-Dinga Ya Makilo, Arafat Paluku, Arts-Loi, Fiona Oikonomidou, Hayat Assabounti, Alex Lesage, David Manet, Zoi Sakka, Samuel Malonga, Alastair Johnston, Christian Ongoba, Yoshiki Fukasawa, Will Dorey & Aaron Minnebo.

Authorized by the estates of Joseph Kabasele & Franco Luambo (Kinshasa, DRC)
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