The famed Congolese band l’Orchestre Afrisa International returned in 2017 with a great new album titled Melanie and an international tour. l’Orchestre Afrisa International was founded by the legendary Congolese singer Tabu Ley Rochereau in 1970. It was a very popular and influential Congolese rumba and soukous band in the late 20th century. Melanie was the band’s first new album since 1996.
Melanie features all-new recordings of rare and classic Afrisa songs of the 1970s-1990s, recreated by many of the band’s original Congolese musicians. The reunited Afrisa was a Congolese supergroup, featuring musicians who performed with Tabu Ley for decades, including saxophonist Modero Mekanisi; singers Wawali Bonane, Dodo Munoko, Habiba Batantu and Djeffard Lukombo; guitarists Dino Vangu and Huit Kilos Nseka; drummers Parigo Asuka and Abro Moke; horn players Valentine Ntumba and Kabert Kabasele; and bassist Ngouma “Le Professeur” Lokito.
Melanie recalled Tabu Ley’s groundbreaking innovative orchestration, featuring richly layered vocal choruses, intricate guitar, powerful drumming and the syncopated brass section of classic Congolese rumba.
Buy Melanie
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.