Franck Biyong – Radio Masoda (Tangential Music, 2024)
Franck Biyong’s album, Radio Masoda is a remarkable tribute to the classic era of African music. Produced as an inter-African dance album, it features notable international collaborators, including Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, Sandra Nkaké, and members of Kwashibu Area Band and Egypt 80. The album highlights both creative freedom and world-class musicianship, intertwining various African musical styles into a joyful listening experience.
Biyong designed Radio Masoda as a homage to 20th century African musical pioneers, especially Congolese rumba performers, who influenced artists across the continent. The record also functions as an “Afro music library,” reflecting influences from African legends and originators.
Dedicated to his mentor, Manu Dibango, Radio Masoda masterfully weaves together Central Africa’s flavorful makossa with other stirring danceable genres like Afrobeat, Congolese rumba, soukous, and Ghanaian highlife. Biyong’s extensive knowledge of African music, paired with his innovative production techniques, results in an album that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
The album opens with “Kabasele Kingdom,” a mid-tempo track featuring effervescent brass, and Biyong’s fluid guitar work, honoring the father of modern Congolese music, Joseph Kabasele. The energy peaks with “Lipanda,” a funky fusion of Nigerian Juju guitars, intricate percussion, horns, and vocal interplay between Biyong and rising star Mary May.
“Oladipo,” the lead single, serves as a tribute to Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, who played drums on the track. It features vocals from Chief Udoh Essiet, mixing soukous, highlife, and Afro-funk into a lively celebration of Allen’s legacy.
“Diamane Abele” includes Paris-based artists Sandra Nkaké and Jî Drû. The song delivers engaging smooth Afro-Disco rhythms, with tight bass, drums, and brass arrangements. The album also contains two captivating cover tracks: Daudi Kabaka’s “Jeba Kubwa Na Viboko,” reimagined with drum machines, horns, and lush vocals, and Franco Luambo’s “Liwa Ya Wech,” transformed into a romantic, jazz-infused piece.
“Mbopi Road” presents gifted Mozambican musician Helio Vanimal. It builds on Dibango’s influence, with a powerful horn arrangement and jazzy keyboards driving the song toward an Afro-rock climax.
The album closes with “Elephant Rumble,” an upbeat party song with irresistible polyrhythms, powerful brass, and Biyong’s commanding vocals.
Buy Radio Masoda.
Author: Tyler Bennet
