WORLD MUSIC CORNER - Kanda Bongo Man - 'Zing Zong' / Nguuni Lovers Lovers - 'Cheza Ngoma'

Kanda Bongo Man - 'Zing Zong' (1991)

Great name, great song! Kanda Bongo Man, no, not a superhero you'd be a fool to mess with but probably one of the most famous Congolese 'Soukous' musicians. I've always loved that infectious guitar sound so synonymous with Soukous music but I just didn't know where to start, that was until I saw him play on Jools Holland some years back, I bought a couple of albums and it went on from there. It's a joyous form of music with a great feel which always makes me smile and move some part of my body, sometimes involuntarily. Despite this, it's unlikely I'll be doing any 'Kwassa Kwassa', the signature, 'all in the hips' dance associated with Soukous so watch the video instead. Taken from a day time Aussie show with presenter, Ray Martin, successfully channelling the Lego man look and a glimpse (1st second of the video, blink you'll miss it) of a young Russell Crowe, probably when he played a bad boy on Home and Away or something.

Kanda Bongo Man...It's all in the hips!

Kanda Bongo Man - 'Zing Zong'

Nguuni Lovers Lovers - 'Cheza Ngoma' (2011)

Here's the award winning video from another candidate for the best name in popular music, Kenya's Nguuni Lovers Lovers. Soukous is not only popular in West Africa but elements of the music have found their way to East Africa. In Kenya, it's Kamba music, where the guitar and fast rhythmic pace of the Soukous influence is unmistakable. I was first introduced to them by Cerys Mathews, unfortunately not personally but through a column she has in World Music magazine Songlines where she was talking about a perfect road trip playlist. So next time you're holidaying in Mombasa, mention Nguuni Lovers Lovers to the hotel barman and guarantee your supply of free Tusker beer for the duration.

Ngunni Lovers Lovers - 'Cheza Ngoma'

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