(Image by Paul Kagame via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulkagame/6138659028 )
This is an ode to Congolese music, which has made a huge imprint on African culture and the African diaspora globally, by exploring 5 iconic Congolese songs to add to your playlist. This central African, francophone-speaking country has many prominent issues, including decades of armed conflict, and citizens have experienced terror over the rich resources found in the land.
In acknowledging their struggles, we also acknowledge the joy and culture that Congolese people have given to the world, specifically through music. This central African country is not to be confused with its neighboring country Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville.
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Black Music: The Rise of Afrobeats and Afro-Pop
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1. Koffi Olomide – Papa Nwgasuma
(Koffi Olomide. Image by Ptityrobo via Wikimedia Commons)
This song, by the legendary Congolese singer and choreographer Koffi Olomide, envelops you in a warm, upbeat melody that you can do the Kwassa Kwassa dance to. Kwassa Kwassa is a movement originated in Kinshasa, DRC, by a mechanic, that is done by rotating your hips in a circle with your hands mirroring your hips movements. If you are not the dancing type you can simply vibe out to the music. Check out the song and choreography in the ‘Papa Nwgasuma’ music video here, or at the end of this article.
2. Awilo Longomba – Rosalina
(Dancers at a street carnival. Image by TJ Maphosphere via Wikimedia Commons )
This song is well known in the international African community. In 2018, the #RosalinaChallenge, also known as the ‘Break Your Back’ challenge, created a storm on social media, with submissions from dancers around the world reeling in the hundreds of thousands.
Add this song to your playlist, and learn how to do the BM dance here, or at the end of this article.
Read more about the Democratic Republic of Congo:
The Democratic Republic of Congo is more than what you see in the media: A Look at Congolese Fashion Brands
With the celebration of Congo’s 62nd year of independence, let us seek to highlight a more positive view of the central African nation by way of art through fashion. Read More »
3. Diamond Platinumz ft. Fally Ipupa – Inama
(Fally Ipupa. Image by The World Bank Photo Collection via Flickr)
This song, by Tanzanian artist Diamond Platinumz, featuring Congolese artist Fally Ipupa, gives smooth sailing vibes while staying true to a danceable Congolese upbeat tempo. With choreography provided by Central African dancer ‘BadGyal Cassie’, this song merges Congolese, Tanzanian, and Central African dance forms, and sets the mood right!
Watch the video here, or at the end of the article.
4. Fally Ipupa – Un Coup
(Fally Ipupa. Image by Africa 717 via WikiCommons)
This romance song has a calming melody, and the music video celebrates the beauty of African nature, traditional African wear, and black women of all shapes and sizes. Fally Ipupa did not miss the mark with the visuals or sound. Check out this music video here, or at the end of this article.
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5. Papa Wemba – Analego
(Papa Wenga. Image by Radio Okapi via Flickr)
This Rumba Lingala tune, released in 1980, gives you a glimpse inside the famous Congolese Rumba music that once dominated the Congolese music scene. Rumba Lingala is a music form that originated in the 1950s, and was used to resist colonial identities thrust upon Congolese citizens during Belgian colonialism. Take a journey into the soul of Congo here, or at the end of this article.
Koffi Olomide – Papa Nwgasumahttps://www.youtube.com/embed/QlxBJDX01ZY
Awilo Longomba – Rosalinahttps://www.youtube.com/embed/HrQYYkGH63w
Diamond Platinumz ft. Fally Ipupa – Inamahttps://www.youtube.com/embed/x96N7f62GE4
Fally Ipupa – Un Couphttps://www.youtube.com/embed/G0mM2XdjmHo
