VA - African Jazz invites O.K. Jazz (1961-1970) (2025) (Hi-Res)

The evolution of Congolese popular music in the 1960s and 70s is generally classified into two major schools: African Jazz & OK Jazz. The main representatives of those schools are Joseph Kabasele alias Grand Kallé, founder of African Jazz, and Franco Luambo, co-founder of O.K. Jazz. Two temperaments and ambiances, one commonly referred to as ‘fiesta’, the other as ‘odemba’, both seeking their own sublimity or ideal. For the very first time, a compilation brings together explicitly the main protagonists of the two bands on the same album, with a collection of their songs recorded in the early sixties for the Surboum African Jazz label, in addition to three tracks made by Kallé’s bands in the late sixties.- The heirs of Joseph Kabasele and Franco Luambo kindly gave permission in Kinshasa to release this original selection on Planet Ilunga about these virtuosi of Congolese Rumba on Planet Ilunga.

released May 2, 2025

Concept & compilation: Bart Cattaert
Notes: Sylvain Mingiele-Konko, Souzy Kaseya, Samuel Malonga, Bart Cattaert
Art Direction: Fiona Oikonomidou
Proofing: Hayat Assabounti & Alastair Johnston
Audio restoration & mastering: Pieter De Wagter (EQuuS)
Lacquer cut: Michael Kuhn (Manmade Mastering)
Video editor: Aaron Minnebo
Manufacturer: Pallas in coordination with Britta Fanck (Handle With Care)

Thanks to:

Guigui, Titina, Nono and Patrick Kabasele, Yves Luambo Emongo, Souzy Kaseya, Sylvain Mingiele-Konko, Liliane Kasanda, Hama-Dinga Ya Makilo, Arafat Paluku, Arts-Loi, Fiona Oikonomidou, Hayat Assabounti, Alex Lesage, David Manet, Zoi Sakka, Samuel Malonga, Alastair Johnston, Christian Ongoba, Yoshiki Fukasawa, Will Dorey & Aaron Minnebo.

Authorized by the estates of Joseph Kabasele & Franco Luambo (Kinshasa, DRC)

Copyright © 2025 Planet Ilunga

Tracklist
OK Jazz – Style Odemba 1961

1. Molinard Danser Cha-Cha — 2:50
2. Mibali Bakomi Mpasi Na Leo — 2:44
3. Soki Ye Te Nani? “Carra” — 2:40
4. Amida Asukisi Molato — 2:51
5. Ya Mbala — 2:53
6. Kingotolo Mbuta Ngani Mbote — 2:56
7. Muasi Ya Motema Mabe — 2:45

African Jazz – Style Fiesta 1961–1962

8. Para Fifi — 2:41
9. Clarie Télé — 2:47
10. Moto Na Esika Na Ye — 2:52
11. Toponaki Bino Boyokana — 2:46
12. Kongo Ya Bankoko — 2:45
13. Kajinga Victorine — 2:50
14. Mama Seba — 2:46
15. Ekoti Ngai Hopitalo — 2:51

The African Jazz School – Style Fiesta 1961–1970

16. Pachito Eche — 2:45
17. Mi Jose — 2:47
18. Bueno Valentina Cha Cha — 2:49
19. Lolango Helena — 6:05
20. Lolaka Lwa Bale — 3:54
21. Lalouma De Belen — 4:27

OK Jazz – Style Bolero 1961

22. Liwa Ya Emery — 2:47
23. Mboka Mosika Mawa — 2:50
24. Zongela Nzela Na Ngai — 2:44
25. Motema Ya Fa Fa — 2:48
26. Mbanda Mwasi Alingi — 2:50
27. Liwa Ya Champagne — 2:51
28. A Girl I’m Looking For — 2:51