Papa Noel - Cafe Noir

(Tumi Music/ Tumi 141)

When you’re fortunate enough to be born on Christmas day, you can take on the name Papa Noel! Papa is a veteran of Congolese music who was at the forefront of a lively local scene creating a unique version of rumba that became his musical trademark, the first Pan-African dance sound. This inspired other musicians to look deeper into Congo’s rural musical traditions and African jazz.

Papa Noel’s new album ‘Café Noir’ was recorded in Havana, Paris, London and the Congo. The rhythms of ‘Café Noir’ are an eclectic mix of rumba, son, merengue zoukous and soukous son. Guest artists on the album include Manu Dibango,  Coto, Sultan Zembellat, Abby Surya, Stella-liv Makasso and Ray Crespo.

For ‘Café Noir’ he draws inspiration from Cuba. The connection is direct as during the colonial period many Congolese took an enforced passage as enslaved peoples to Cuba. Having survived their music was key to the creation of traditions in the ports of Matanzas and Havana which have become known as Cuban rumba. With ‘Café Noir’, Papa Noel pays tribute to the fact that Cuba has always been both a model and source of inspiration for African rumberos.

The album features songs in both Spanish and Ligala with the later representing a refreshing change for those for those used to Cuban voices. As well as Congolese and various other takes on the rumba the album also manages to squeeze in some Merengue Zoukous and Soukous Son. The title track, a traditional African Rumba is particularly outstanding. A sumptuous and compelling collection of music.

Reviewer : Yve Ngoo