|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBANTOUS DE LA CAPITALEDance band formed in Brazzaville, Congo, '59; became one of the longest- established acts in African music as leading interpreters of Cuban rumba. Co-led by saxophonists Dieudonne (Nino) Malapet and Jean Serge Essous; made local impact followed by ambitious tour of West Africa '60. Best early work on series of singles, reissued on Africain label LPs Les Merveilles du Pass‚ 1962--4 (3 vols). Launched new dance and new sound Le Boucher '65, seen as renewal and revitalization of rumba; then Soukous '66: the successful dance became generic name for Congolese music. After recording trip to Paris Essous decided to stay there (but remained member of band), Malapet took over leadership; more personnel changes with proclamation of official cultural policy 'Authenticit‚' '67. Carried on '70s with tight, exciting rhythms, virtuoso soloists, and singers: Kosmos (Come Mountouari), Pamelo Mounk'a, Tchico; also Nedule Papa Noel and Samba Mascott on guitars; saxes of Malapet and Essous. The musical wheel turned full circle when the band toured Cuba '74. Best '70s material issued on compilations Les Bantous de la Capital (2 vols '76); then celebrated with two-disc set Special 20th Anniversaire '79. Like other great African outfits, they also trained a new generation of young musicians; solo LPs backed by band incl. Samba Mascott And The Bantous '81, Philosophie and Lily Germaine '83 by Essous, outstanding Mokilimbembe '84 by Malapet. One of the biggest African LPs of '85 was Nono, with guitar wizardry of Papa Noel. |