Zaïko Langa Langa – Zekete Zekete 1er & 2ème Episode

Zaïko Langa Langa played a significant role in introducing and popularizing the concept of atalaku in Congolese rumba.

[...] By 1973, Zaïko Langa Langa was acclaimed as the trailblazer of the third generation of Congolese rumba due to its divergence from the heavily orchestral and horn-driven sounds of their predecessors. Their infusion of contemporary elements into Congolese rumba revitalized the genre and positioned the band as the "mother of all internationally known Congolese orchestras since 1970". Throughout their fifty-year career, Zaïko Langa Langa has recorded officially 30 albums and three maxi-singles. Their 1983 album, Zekete Zekete 2e Épisode, was the first to feature atalaku*, while Nippon Banzai, released in 1986, was the band's most commercially successful record. In the 1990s, Zaïko Langa Langa sustained their prominence with albums such as Ici Ça Va… Fungola Motema (1990), Jamais Sans Nous (1991), and Avis De Recherche (1995)

*In the sebene instrumental section of a Congolese rumba song, the atalaku serves as the band's frontman, responsible for actively engaging the audience, building excitement, and augmenting the performance with spirited vocalizations and rhythmic chants. Atalaku often uses fast-paced speech, onomatopoeic sounds, and playful wordplay to captivate listeners and sustain their energy throughout the performance.

Originally released in 1983 on LP by Sonogravure, France

Zaïko Langa Langa – Zekete Zekete 1er & 2ème Episode

Label: Air B.Mas Production – BMP-950044
Format: CD, Album
Country: France
Released: 1995
Style: Ndombolo, Soukous
Source: Digital

1. Antalia 9:00
2. Matondo 8:57
3. Elima-Ngando 8:55
4. Maman Akoma Kotekisa 7:56
5. Infidelite 9:00
6. Madesu 7:20