Planet Ilunga Belgium Schallplatten & CDs

Review: 'Independance Cha Cha' was something of a historic anthem that immortalised Congo's independence and marked the debut release from a Congolese-owned record label, Surboum African Jazz, under the guidance of Joseph Kabasele. This pioneering move sparked a wave of new record labels in 1960s Kinshasa, led by the era's many musical luminaries. Planet Ilunga's Les editeurs Congolais series pays homage to these trailblazing label owners, starting with this, Les Editions Populaires, founded by Franco Luambo Makiadi in 1968. This compilation of 16 tracks from its early years showcases Franco's vision, spanning rumba, Lingala ballads, Kikongo traditionals, and even Yoruba influences, alongside American funk pastiches.