Anyone who has listened to Congolese soukous music will have noted the rich and complex harmonics that are trademarks unique to this special genre of guitar music. Guitar artistry is a central aspect of Congolese life, and in towns and cities across that nation, guitar playing competitions are a common sight, as up-and-coming guitar players strut their stuff, and vie for recognition on their vibrant music scene.

The roll call of Congolese guitar masters includes Roxy Tshimpaka, Dally Kimoko, Santana Mongoley the Rhumba Guitar King, Diblo Dibala, Huit Kilos, and Jennot Bel, yet, the new generation of Congolese guitar practitioners, notably Flamme Kappaya, Olivier Tshimanga and, amazingly Don Keller, a white American guitarist, add deeper jazz influences to the traditional sound of Congo to create music that soothes , elevates and inspires.

Here are some samples, starting with Flamme Kappaya jamming in his backyard, with his drummer playing on a simple piece of cardboard. Check out these videos, and tell me this is not some of the more infectious music you have ever heard. Listen for the array of melodic intervals served up so smoothly, from 3rds to 4ths to 6ths and octaves, all woven together so seamlessly. This is African guitar playing at its finest.


Flamme Kappaya Thangi Tshobele

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdG56XA0NsY

Flamme Kappaya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnycNza05JY

Olivier Tshimanga playing a sublime rendition of Mike Jacksons "Human Nature"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CvEH9hReu8

Don Keller Double Double

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqgG7baoSHY

Mario Don Keller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qdM1_nd4rc

Zaiko Langa Langa Don Keller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6K4MJr_jmI

Massu Don Keller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ-Yre_E-_Y&index=7&list=RDA6K4MJr_jmI

Nyboma Don Keller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ANQMHBmSR0

Huit Kilos Jam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64bVdlGDpic

Oya, King Sunny Ade, come see how as dem dey play am for Congo, no shaking.

Seef Commanda Ebeneezer Obey, we respect you o, but man pass man even for jitaa matter. You sef come siddon-look as jitaa been dey sing.

Another offering from Don Keller


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYLgw-dZk8A

So you are thinking to yourself, WTF ? I want to hear the full orchestra in full cry. Well here is a sample of such from guitarist Kienga

Note that this clip needs to be played inside Youtube, since replay on other websites is disabled. Well worth a listen though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRDak6uVZ4w

Looking at this next video by th same guitarist, Kienga now sporting a fearsome Ikemba beard, I'm sure you will agree that while Ojukwu's manhood may have outlived him, there also exists an identical Ikemba twin who also lives on, seen here online as highly talented Congolese guitar doctor.

Note also, the striking similarity in pronunciation between the name of the guitarist Kienga, and of Nigeria's Ikemba, of the manhood fame.

More from the Ikemba of Guitar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p66-dlWaPKk

E get as e be.

Special shout out goes to our very own Mama Peace, Patience Jonathan, without whom the above Ikemba reference would not have gone viral.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0FLapzYBuU

Someone has evidently mistaken the music forum for the car forum. Hopefully that gentleman's confusion will subside before long.

Surprised that there is so little interest in Congolese guitar music, especially since it is so closely related to Nigerian and Ghanaian High-life Music.

One day, guitars will make a re-emergence on the Nigerian music scene, and when that occurs, the Congolese gold standard will be consulted and emulated by new generations of Nigerian musicians.

Listen for the array of melodic intervals served up so smoothly, from 3rds to 4ths to 6ths and octaves, all woven together so seamlessly.

OP I read your other thread on country music so I appreciate that you know more about music than the average consumer but those words I quoted up there are truly cringe worthy.
If possible remove them.

I remember the jazz writer for the guardian, Benson Idonijie (I think) use such technical sounding (but empty) phrases and I remember always shivering.

Like one time he spoke about Wes Montgomery and tried to describe his technique as "chordal runs at the octave". I almost went mad.

wyzoe:
Listen for the array of melodic intervals served up so smoothly, from 3rds to 4ths to 6ths and octaves, all woven together so seamlessly.

OP I read your other thread on country music so I appreciate that you know more about music than the average consumer but those words I quoted up there are truly cringe worthy.
If possible remove them.

I remember the jazz writer for the guardian, Benson Idonijie (I think) use such technical sounding (but empty) phrases and I remember always shivering.

Like one time he spoke about Wes Montgomery and tried to describe his technique as "chordal runs at the octave". I almost went mad.

WyZoe I thank you for being the FIRST respondent to this thread, even though you only stopped by to serve up a right upper-cut, and a swift kick in the nuts, as punishment for my abuse of the English language.

Whilst you were here, I hope you did at least check out the music. It could be that my love for Congolese guitar music leads me to be overly descriptive in paying homage to the maestros who create this genre of music, especially since I dabble in guitar playing, and came to realize very quickly how complex the layering of melodies can get with this style, and how baffling it is to try and emulate the sound with my clumsy hands.

Jakumo:


WyZoe I thank you for being the FIRST respondent to this thread, even though you only stopped by to serve up a right upper-cut, and a swift kick in the nuts, as punishment for my abuse of the English language.

Whilst you were here, I hope you did at least check out the music. It could be that my love for Congolese guitar music leads me to be overly descriptive in paying homage to the maestros who create this genre of music, especially since I dabble in guitar playing, and came to realize very quickly how complex the layering of melodies can get with this style, and how baffling it is to try and emulate the sound with my clumsy hands.

Nothing do you my brother. Carry on.

I play myself.