África Negra – Antologia Vol. 2 (Bongo Joe Records, 2024)
Antologia Vol. 2 continues to explore the musical legacy of one of São Tomé and Príncipe’s most celebrated bands. Renowned for their one of a kind fusion of São Toméan rumba, Congolese soukous, vibrant guitar melodies, and powerful bass lines, África Negra has secured a place in African music history over their 50-year career.
This compilation, curated by French DJ Tom B. with assistance from the band’s Lisbon-based tour manager Afonso Simoes, features 13 tracks from 1979 to 1990, many previously unreleased. It totally captures the band at the height of their creative powers. While the first volume of Antologia introduced África Negra to a global audience, this second volume unearths rare tracks and highlights the contributions of lead vocalists like Sergio Fonseca and João Seria. Seria, who passed away in 2023, was honored with a state funeral. This awesome album is dedicated to his memory, celebrating his role in shaping both the band’s sound and the broader music of São Tomé and Príncipe.
África Negra originally formed in the early 1970s as Conjunto Milando by Horacio, a São Toméan butcher, and guitarist Emidio Pontes. After facing restrictions on their name during colonial rule, they officially became Conjunto África Negra in 1974. Following São Tomé and Príncipe’s independence in 1975, the band integrated more African influences, which coincided with the arrival of key members like vocalist João Seria in 1976, and guitarist Leonildo Barros and bassist Pacheco in 1978. Their energetic puxa rhythms, melodic rumbas, and dynamic soukous helped them gain international recognition, leading to tours across Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In Caribbean Colombia, they became iconic figures in the Afro-Colombian “picos” sound-system culture.
Despite significant lineup changes in the 1990s and a temporary disbandment in 1996, África Negra reformed in 2008, releasing three albums and resuming tours with João Seria as the lead vocalist. After Seria’s passing, the band has been co-fronted by Elísio Sousa (known as Iju) and supported by longtime bassist Pacheco, under the direction of original guitarist Leonildo Barros.
Notably, Antologia Vol. 2 is the fourth release in Bongo Joe’s series on the music of São Tomé and Príncipe. This series has shed light on the island’s rich but underappreciated musical heritage, following earlier releases like Léve Léve: São Tomé & Principe Sounds 70s-80s and Antologia Vol. 1.
The opening track, “Numigo Iami Ê,” represents the band’s distinctive style, combining tight rhythms and savvy guitar riffs with João’s distinctive vocals. Other special tracks include “Anô Anô,” “Povo Milagrosa,” and “Fala Tendê,” which feature the irresistible, fast-paced puxa rhythms, and the melodic “Chiguno Zunta.” These tracks were recorded in 1979 during an unreleased session.
The compilation also revives material from the elusive 1986 tape “San Lena,” including its title track, which was restored by sound engineer Tim Stollenwerk. Over the years, “San Lena” has become a beloved anthem among São Toméan communities, with its laid back guitar lines and João’s deeply-moving vocals.
This anthology reflects the evolution of África Negra through multiple lineup changes, including tracks like “Sangue Scabe” from 1989 with Amorim Diogo on lead vocals, and several songs recorded in the 1990s after João and Pacheco relocated to Cape Verde. The set concludes with the hypnotic “Tlechi Ope Di Bengui,” highlighting the band’s enduring energy and Sérgio Fonseca’s return as lead vocalist.
Buy Antologia Vol. 2.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
