Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos [Paperback]

Gary Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2004

Captivating study of the flowering of Congo music, during the fight to consolidate their hard-won independence.

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A fascinating and tantalizing celebration.” (Herald )

“For fans and scholars alike, it is a godsend to have so much of this history packed into a single, well-indexed volume.” (Boston Phoenix )

“The most comprehensive account written in English of the rich history of music from the Belgian Congo, Zaire, DR Congo, French Congo or simply Congo.” (Charlie Gillett )

“The first really comprehensive account of the development of an African pop style.” (Times Literary Supplement )

“Stewart’s love and understanding of Congolese music is strikingly evident throughout this book. Few can match his encyclopedic knowledge.” (International Journal of African Historical Studies )

About the Author

Gary Stewart is a writer who has lived and worked in Africa. His articles on African and Caribbean music have appeared in numerous publications including The Beat, Option, and West Africa. He is the author of Breakout: Profiles in African Rhythm.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Verso (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859843689
• ISBN-13: 978-1859843680
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,194,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > History > Africa > Democratic Republic of Congo

More About the Author

Gary Stewart began writing as a freelancer for London-based West Africa magazine and went on to contribute to, among others, Option, Folk Roots, The Los Angeles Times Syndicate, and, most frequently, The Beat. His interest in things African stems from service in the Peace Corps in West Africa, an experience that led to his books and articles on African music and to the chronicle of Sierra Leone's horrific civil war, Black Man's Grave. In addition to his books and magazine pieces, he contributed entries to The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians and has written liner notes for a number of records and CDs, including the vinyl version of S.E. Rogie's Palm Wine Guitar Music; Putumayo's The Best of World Music, African; Rumba 'Round Africa by Ry-Co Jazz; and, The World is Shaking and Africa Boogaloo from the London label Honest Jons. Visit Stewart's new web site for the book Rumba on the River at http://rumbaontheriver.com/.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Labor of Love and Remarkable Accomplishment September 19, 2002

By Play It By Ear

Format:Hardcover

Gary Stewart's book is so very well researched. If you are not familiar with the Congolese Rumba, the material will not really interest you and be difficult if not impossible to read. If you are familiar with this remarkable music in any way, you will end up seeking out and acquiring as much of this music and record titles as you can afford. I must have bought about 150 CD titles of the artists mentioned in the book.Stewart's book puts these artists and their music in the context of a history previously unwritten about in the English language. The only other book that comes to mind is Graeme Ewens' "Congo Colossus", but that title is more confined to the history of Franco (Francois Luambo Makiadi) and Le T.P. OK Jazz.If there is a criticism, it is a small one. He leaves out Orchestra Super Mazemba and Samba Mapangala. Although those artists made their mark in Kenya, they were in fact major Rumba artists from the Congo. However, Mr. Stewart performed remarkable research not to mention a history book that moves like an impossible to put down novel.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and reference February 8, 2010

By J. Awika

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book covers a lot of information, and does a surprisingly decent job at it. The author makes little attempt to be judgemental or pretencious. He just tries to present the complex history of modern Congolese music(the most dynamic and popular music from Africa) as best as he could source it, AND OBVIOUSLY BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE COULD HAVE DONE IT.
A neat reference book for anyone interested in music from the Congos.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Explores music, dance, and evolving trends in rumba August 29, 2004

By D. Donovan

Format:Paperback

Chapters explore music, dance, and evolving trends in Congolese rumba tradition and provide so much accompanying explanatory history that even ethnomusicologists and college-level students of African culture and tradition will find it fascinating.

 Very highly recommended.