Non Stop Dancing is the debut studio album by the Congolese rumba band Zaïko Langa Langa. Produced by Mfumu Muntu Bambi, it was released on the Zaire Music label in late 1974.[1][2]

Non Stop Dancing
Studio album by
Released1974
Recorded1973–74
GenreCongolese rumba · soukous
Length43:00
LabelZaire Music
ProducerMfumu Muntu Bambi
Zaïko Langa Langa chronology
Non Stop Dancing
(1974)
Plaisir de l'Ouest Afrique
(1976)

It consists of songs recorded and released between 1973 and 1974, during multiple recording sessions of the band in Kinshasa. Prior to the album's release, Zaïko Langa Langa performed at the Zaire 74 music festival at the Stade Du 20 Mai, Kinshasa, along with other notable artists such as James Brown, B.B. King, Tabu Ley Rochereau, and Franco Luambo.[3]

Background

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Shortly after Zaïko Langa Langa's debut in December 1969, the band established itself as the "third Congolese school of music".[4] Because of their "rebellious" and "hippie" attitude and their innovative approach to Congolese rumba, they became a symbol of the new generations of post-independence Zaire, and are sometimes compared to the Rolling Stones for their appeal to the youth.[5]

Before releasing Non Stop Dancing, in 1973, while traveling from Brazzaville to Pointe-Noire, the band's drummer, Meridjo Belobi, pioneered the Cavacha drum rhythm.[6] The Cavacha was later played by all Kinshasa bands and other African artists from all over the continent. Cavacha was also the name of a dance created by Evoloko Jocker.[7]

Recording

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Recording sessions took place in 1973 ("Zania", "Mbeya Mbeya", "Eluzam" and "Zena") and 1974 ("Semeki Mondo" and "Mwana Wabi") in Kinshasa in various recording studios. Songs were previously released as singles.

Track listing

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Side one

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Semeki Mondo"Evoloko Jocker10:04
2."Zania 1"Mavuela Somo4:35
3."Eluzam 2"Evoloko Jocker 

Side two

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
4."Mwana Wabi"Bimi Ombale8:48
5."Zena 1"Bimi Ombale4:41
6."Mbeya Mbeya"Evoloko Jocker10:09
Total length:43:00

Personnel

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  • Evoloko Jocker – vocals
  • Papa Wemba – vocals
  • Mavuela Somo – vocals
  • Bozi Boziana – vocals
  • Gina Efonge – vocals
  • Bimi Ombale – vocals
  • Manuaku Waku – lead guitar
  • Teddy Sukami – rhythm guitar
  • Oncle Bapius – bass guitar
  • Meridjo Belobi – drums

References list

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  1. ^ Zaïko Langa Langa - Non Stop Dancing, retrieved 2022-09-17
  2. ^ Messager. "DISCOGRAPHIE & ÉTAPES MARQUANTES DE ZAÏKO LANGA-LANGA (1970-1980)". MBOKAMOSIKA (in French). Retrieved 2022-09-17.
  3. ^ "Papa Wemba". www.redbullmusicacademy.com. Retrieved 2022-09-17.
  4. ^ "Afropop Worldwide | Interview with the Legendary Nyoka Longo of Zaïko Langa Langa". Afropop Worldwide. Retrieved 2022-09-17.
  5. ^ Sweeney, Philip (1991). The Virgin Directory of World Music. Virgin. ISBN 978-0-86369-378-6.
  6. ^ "Chooka-chooka cavacha: here comes the Congolese rumba". www.bruzz.be. Retrieved 2022-09-17.
  7. ^ Stewart, Gary (2003-11-17). Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos. Verso. ISBN 978-1-85984-368-0.