After its inclusion by UNESCO on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity on December 14, 2021, the Congolese rumba continues to attract desire. This is the case of the group The Ligerians and additional musicians who chose the destination of Brazzaville for a first international training on Congolese rumba.
The Ligerians, made up of 7 men and 3 women, revisited the enriching repertoire of Congolese rumba starting with the old glories of artists such as Paul Kamba, Dr Nico, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Tabu Ley Rocherau, Jean Serge Essous, Pamelo Mouka, Kosmos Moutouari, Roga Roga. Likewise, these professional artists learned the history of rumba, the first rhythms, styles, seben, codes and phases of Congolese rumba.
Furthermore, a song called ”Rumba Mokili mobimba” was written by these artists and will be performed brilliantly on January 25 during the show. It is a fusion of the songs “Rumba na piste” and “Ebandeli ya mosala” by Djoson Philosphe and Kosmos Moutouari respectively.
For Adrien Garrido percussionist, nicknamed Adrien mbonda, the choice made on the rumba is to make it travel throughout the world so that it does not lose its roots. “After my participation in the Pan-African Music Festival which placed particular emphasis on rumba, I imagined a project on it. Then, I associated Ange Pongault, Djoson Philosophe and Pegguy Maho, head of the Vikality training center, with this project. Also, my presence in Brazzaville was to make a musical instrument called “Steel pan” as part of Musaf”, explained group member Adrien Garrido.
-During the course, the orchestra benefited from the collaboration of Djoson Philosophe and his group. “With Djoson Philosophe, we exchanged videos and judged and appreciated the artistic quality of his group and also his song ”Rumba na piste” which accompanied the inclusion of this musical genre as UNESCO’s intangible heritage” , he adds.
Several Congolese artists like Kosmos Moutouari, Djoson Philosophe, Guyguy Fall, Quentin Mouyasco, Kevin Mbouandé Mbenga, Pape God, Freddy Mbolokosso, etc., praised the initiative of The Ligerians orchestra and came to encourage them during the internship. “The feeling that animates me is that this orchestra had already listened to the songs based on the rumba, now it is soaking up the practice. It is Congolese music that is highlighted. The repertoire is based solely on rumba since its origins through orchestras such as Ok Jazz, Bantous de la Capitale, Wenge Musica, Viva la Musica… These musicians are professionals and adapt easily to our musical genre,” welcomed Djoson Philosophe.
While waiting for the show scheduled for January 25 where The Ligerians will perform and show what he learned during the course, Adrien Garrido considers himself very happy to visit the land of rumba. He did not fail to launch an appeal: “In the long term, the idea of this project is to bring Congolese artists, in particular Djoson Philosophe and his group, to France and Europe for shows. For this, I am asking UNESCO, the IFC, the Ministry of Culture, the Congolese authorities and cultural patrons to help us financially for the completion of this project which is essential for the Congolese rumba..
Related News :