Zaïko Langa Langa

Zaïko Langa Langa - Congolese popular group

Group from Congo - Kinshasa

Genres: congolese rumba

About Zaïko Langa Langa

Zaïko Langa Langa, also known as Zaïko Langa Langa Nkolo Mboka, is a Congolese rumba band formed in Kinshasa, in December 1969. Established by D.V. Moanda, Henri Mongombe, Marcellin Delo and André Bita, the band evolved from the Orchestre Bel Guide National, which is seen as Zaïko's predecessor. Listed as part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's cultural heritage, Zaïko Langa Langa is one of Africa's most influential band and has contributed to the evolution and innovation of Congolese rumba during the 1970s, popularizing distinctive elements including variances in percussive pacing, snare drum utilization (cavacha rhythm), the sebene guitar technique, and a performance assemblage comprising atalaku, a harmonized choir, and a soloist. The band has been a breeding ground for prominent artists like Papa Wemba, Félix Manuaku Waku, Bozi Boziana, Dindo Yogo, and Evoloko Jocker, who went on to establish successful careers. Zaïko Langa Langa has spun off several groups consisting of groups or factions of former members, including Isifi Lokole, Viva La Musica, Langa Langa Stars, Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei, Anti Choc, Choc Stars, Quartier Latin International, and many others. Their dedication to mentoring young musicians and attention to fashion has garnered a significant youth following. By 1973, Zaïko Langa Langa was acclaimed as the trailblazer of the third generation of Congolese rumba due to its divergence from the heavily orchestral and horn-driven sounds of their predecessors. Their infusion of contemporary elements into Congolese rumba revitalized the genre and positioned the band as the "mother of all internationally known Congolese orchestras since 1970". Throughout their fifty-year career, Zaïko Langa Langa has recorded officially 30 albums and three maxi-singles. Their 1983 album, Zekete Zekete 2e Épisode, was the first to feature atalaku, while Nippon Banzai, released in 1986, was the band's most commercially successful record. In the 1990s, Zaïko Langa Langa sustained their prominence with albums such as Ici Ça Va… Fungola Motema (1990), Jamais Sans Nous (1991), and Avis De Recherche (1995). Due to several schisms within the group, the Langa Langa clan was formed, consolidating all dissenting factions from the original Zaïko fold, including Viva La Musica, Isifi Lokole, Choc Stars, Langa Langa Stars, Quartier Latin.

Taken from Wikipedia.org