Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos FROM THE PUBLISHER
Rumba on the River presents a snapshot of an era when the currents of tradition and modernization collided to produce a unique music along the banks of the Congo River. It is the story of twin capitals engulfed in political struggle, and the vibrant new music that flowered amidst the ferment.
SYNOPSIS
Born in Kinshasa and Brazzaville at the end of WWII, Congo music (a.k.a., "soukous" and "rumba rock") matured as Africans fought to consolidate their independence. In addition to musicians--Franco, Essous, Abeti, Tabu Ley, and bands like Zaiko Langa Langa--this book's characters include King Leopold II, Patrice Lumumba, the corrupt dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, military strongman Denis Sassou Nguesso, boxers George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, a Belgian baron, and a group of enterprising Greek expatriates who pioneered the Congolese recording industry. As might be expected from a music history published by Verso, political history plays a fundamental role. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Charlie Gillet
The most comprehensive account written in English of the rich history of music from the Belgian Congo...
Mark Hudson - The Times Literary Supplement
Rumba on the River is far more readable than many books of its type. The evident range of research is impressive, and Stewart was clearly taken into the confidence of many important musicians. If sheer weight of detail from these oral sources frequently overburdens the book, it does give it authenticity—a sense of people engaged in a collective and passionate purpose, driven forward by historical forces beyond their control.
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