Kinavana

Kekele | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 15, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Stern's Africa
• ASIN: B000065C8A
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #308,478 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #42 in Music > World Music > Africa > Soukous
  • #56 in Music > World Music > Africa > Zaire & Congo

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

An exquisite homage to the seductive coupling of African music with the sounds of vintage Cuba, the third album by Congolese supergroup Kekele assembles a constellation of stars for a heartfelt tribute to the work and life of Cuban composer and guitarist Guillermo Portabales (1911-1970). Buena Vista Social Club fans will recognize "Mace," a reworking of Celia Romero's "Guateque Campesino," from the debut album by the collective's Ibrahim Ferrer. Here, it is embellished by newly written lyrics in Lingala and melodious saxophone riffs courtesy of the legendary Manu Dibango. Portabales' "El Carretero" is given a glorious, 7-minute Congolese rumba treatment with vocal contributions by Mbilia Bel (the genre's most notable female vocalist) and fiery New York sonera Isabel Martínez. Other guests include Venezuelan percussionist Luisito Quintero and veteran singer Madilu Bialu. Together, these musical giants deliver elegant charanga soundscapes laced with flute and violins, then turn up the heat for some funky Afro-Cuban dance jams. The lilting, ever present guitar lines underscore the sheer beauty of Congolese rumba, an endearing genre that deserves wider recognition. --Ernesto Lechner

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why are you not dancing?, April 18, 2006

By 

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel "World Music Explorer" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Kinavana (Audio CD)

Cuba owes much of its music from the Bantu of Congo who came as slaves. They brought the drum, the marimba, and rhumba. And as Mali reabsorbed the blues of the American South, which was shaped by its unwilling African immigres, Congolese have reabsorbed its now Cuban-modified rhythms and melodies. And how! Kekele's third CD is their best, real Cuban roots music of Puillermo Portabales distilled through an African retort, with locally-relevant lyrics. Another full circle of true Afro-Cuban tunes that do not allow you to sit still. If you dig old Cuban sons, if you rock with the rhumba, you will love this work by Kekele!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hot Music, October 19, 2007

By 

C. Vernon "book addict" (Sherman Oaks, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kinavana (Audio CD)

This CD is wonderful! I own Kekele's two previous CDs but this is their best one so far. Even though I don't understand the lyrics, the Afro-Cuban sound is upbeat and warm (to say the least), and sure to put one in a good mood even on a not-so-good day. I just love this CD!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh, Vibrant and Funky, June 9, 2005

By 

Kristen Boscaino "cha * cha" (new york) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kinavana (Audio CD)

Kokolo has a great vibe with a good sense of awarness about world issues. All the musicans are very talented and come together for a sweet groove. Great upbeat and cool music.