Congolese band Jupiter & Okwess has released a single titled “Abalegele Gale.” The song is a collaboration with American band Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans. The single is about looking towards the future and will appear in Jupiter & Okwess’ upcoming 2021 album.
“Abalegele Gale” calls to mind the Black Trade and the forced slave migration from Africa to America.
While the lyrics advise to let go of past sufferings, the music carries the result of this colonial heritage, mixing Congolese rhythms of the old continent with the brass sounds of New Orleans.