Customer Reviews

Super Soukous

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There aren't many guitarist that can match the skills and rapid-fire style of Zairean Diblo Dibala, the mainstay behind the band Loketo, a word that means "move you hips" in the Lingala language. And shake your hips you will as soon as you put this CD on! The infectious rhythms of this soukous CD, with its foundation in Diblo's dazzling guitar work and backed by the vocals of luminaries such as Aurlus Mabele and Kanda Bongo Man (both mega soukous stars in their own right) are guaranteed to liven up any celebration involving music. Soukous merges the traditional rhumba style with a hard driving beat that is sure to excite the listener to break into dance. "Super Soukous" is a landmark in the evolution of African popular music and caused a sensation when it debuted in 1987, yet its sound is as exciting as ever today. I particularly like to start off dance parties with a bang by playing the highly infectious and danceable Track Three piece called "Amour Et Souvenir"...indeed a souvenir of love, of celebrating life and good times. I haven't tired of this CD yet, and I seriously doubt that I will. If you enjoy this CD, check out other soukous gems like Kanda Bongo Man's "Kwassa Kwassa" or "Zing-Zong", and another Loketo recording featuring Aurlus Mabele and Diblo Dibala called "Soukous Trouble", all of which are guaranteed hip-shaking music! Also check out the soukous guitar party groove on a compilation called "Lightning Over the River", a superb collection and a great follow-up to further explore Diblo's Loketo sound.

If it were not for the drummer in Diblo's band having been replaced for this album it would likely be one of my favorite albums. If you don't mind electronic drums ignore this review. If you can tell the difference a real drummer makes you are likely to feel aggravated listening to this.