Tata Masamba (1996)

About this title: The Cuban-African pop music connection has been going strong almost since the first invasion of 78 rpm phonograph records into Africa. Lately, various Zairean musicians have delved back into the Cuban roots of soukous (formerly known in Africa as rumba) with brilliant results. But none have gone the route as seamlessly as transplanted Zairean vocalist Richard Lemvo, who assembles a killer salsa band in Los Angeles. In the manner of legendary Cuban bandleader Beny More, Lemvo does the mambo, cha-cha-cha, and rumba proud (More's "Yiri Yiri Bon" closes this disc). Even better, he hits hard at ... read more

Tracks:

1. Mama Kiyelele [Lemvo]
2. Prima Donna (Petit Nzele) [Lemvo]
3. Tata Masamba [Lemvo]
4. Minha Querida [Lemvo/Mangwana/Jesú]
5. Nono Femineh [Lemvo]
6. Africa, Havana, Paris [Alejandro]
7. La Milonga de Ricardo en Cha-Cha-Chá
8. Yiri Yiri Bon [Mendez]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.