To be frank I only know the bigger stars for the most part, and those associated with them (former band members of larger more popular groups etc)

To keep abreast of the whole Congolese Rumba/Music scene I think it would be helpful for those who are familiar with other acts
to post up some youtubes and information from these less popular acts. I believe it was DJ SLY who said a lot of these unpopular
acts are pretty good and I would love to have something to listen to while we wait for these larger acts to get over themselves and
release music every 5-7 years.

Appreciate any participation in this thread, thank you in advance. 

Listen to Chouchou Miyake that's a new artist who has just recently released his album. Also listen to JR Marot.

There is Bilenge Musica, for example:



But I prefer their previous album:

I like these ...

I would suggest you start listening to old Congolese music. By old I mean all music played in the 50s, 60s and 70s. You will notice that some lyrics being used and melodies being played by current Singers and Musicians were taken from old songs. I have more respect for Musicians from that period of time than current ones; they did not make music because of hunger, poverty, lack of education, etc. They became Musicians because they loved the musical art, they had talents and they were doing it for fun (enjoying every moment of it).

At that time:
-There was no cheating; a band tries to sound like another.
-the Singers were singing; not SCREAMING!
-Each band had its own style; even though you don’t watch a video, impossible to get confused.
-They had no technology like nowadays; everything you listened to was RECORDED LIVE. Singers and Musicians play the same time as you see in a live concert.
-The drums had no Microphones on them at that time. So the Drummers had to hit hard...I am a Drummer and I know how difficult and painful it is to hit hard from the beginning to the end of the song (just think about the length of the old songs)

Here are some bands and Singers you may listen to when you have time:
-Negro Succès
-Bella bella
-Max Mongali (Singer)
-Vox Africa
-Bombenga
-Grand Kalle (Singer)
-Trio Madjesi and Sosoliso
-Bokelo

I am suggesting you listen to the following songs:
1.   Jamais ko longa (Grand kalle)
2.   Etabe ya mofude (from Bavon Marie-Marie & Les Negros Succès )
3.   Albertine mwana ndeke (from Bavon Marie-Marie & Les Negros Succès )
4.   Mosala ya bolingo (Max Mongali)
5.   Pesa le tout (Grand kalle)


Bob Marley said: "If you know your history, then you would know where you're coming from".