Papa Wemba

Amazon.com
The artist formerly known as Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba's first Western album, released in 1988, is in many ways also Papa Wemba's last typically Zairean album. Produced by Martin Meisonnier, who worked commercial magic on King Sunny Ade, it's a rich and resonant showcase for Wemba's velvet-sandpaper voice. The album's centerpiece, after several shorter hors d'oeuvres, is "Bokulaka," whose slow introduction (nearly always dropped by modern soukous groups) gives Wemba a chance to stretch out in a blues mode before the band explodes into a fiery "seben" dance vamp nudged into hyperdrive by guitar hero Rigo Star. The disc's other highlight is "Esclave," on which Papa Wemba digs deeply into soukous's rumba roots and plays an exciting game of musical tag with keyboardist Philippe Marais. --Richard Gehr

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Average customer rating: Deserves 10 stars

And Viva La Musica: Foridoles Papa Wemba Manufacturer: Suave Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000IIG3 Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

1. Dixieme Commandement
2. Bravo Cathy
3. Oldies Are Goodies
4. Nzete Ya Sequoia
5. Foridoles
6. Reference
7. Aladji-Djambo
8. Winamol
9. Latin-Lovers
10. Moyi

Customer Reviews:

Deserves 10 stars.......1999-07-20

As I'm typing this review, I'm listening to this cd. Papa Wemba {who's real name is Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba} is and has long been a personal favorite of mine. His unique high pitched singing, stylish dress, and charisma is a smash hit, not only in Africa, but everywhere now. This is one of if not the best cds he ever made.

Average customer rating: The most accessible Papa Wemba so far. Second from the top, but up there too much production, not enough soukous Tasteful, feel good, afro-pop

Molokai Papa Wemba Manufacturer: Real World ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Emotion Le Voyageur 1977-1997 ASIN: B000007O7V Release Date: 1998-06-02

Tracks:

1. Excuse Me
2. Zero
3. Bakwetu
4. Image
5. If The Children Cry
6. Sakana
7. Shofele
8. M'Fono Yami
9. Epelo
10. Awa Y'Okeyi
11. Esclave

Amazon.com

Born in the city formerly known as Leopoldville back when the former Zaire was known as the Belgian Congo, Papa Wemba was on the leading edge of soukous music in the 1970s. He was a pivotal member of the trailblazing Zaiko Langa Langa and later formed Viva La Musica and his own ensembles. In 1993, Wemba renamed his band Molokai, and that name and band make this newest Papa Wemba CD both an aggregation of his past and a new exploration. Wemba delves into an a cappella tune, placing his soaring vocals at the immediate heart of the CD. But then the music churns in, veering between hip, urban dance styles that mesh European pop elements, Wemba's acrobatic vocal techniques and soukous' rumba-fueled rhythms. Molokai also throws truly rock- powered hooks and textures, too, newly energizing Wemba's music without taking away from the layered rhythms. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Details

This Live Studio Performance from One of Africa's Greatest Stars is a Collection of Classic Hits and New Songs, Produced by John Leckie, Reflecting this Stage of Wemba's Musical Odyssey.

Customer Reviews:

The most accessible Papa Wemba so far........2000-03-27

For the world music fan from Europe or North America, I think this is the most accessible of Papa Wemba's albums so far. Here we, poor untrained listeners, can enjoy the full range of his voice, together with the finest of Congolese music. For a person enjoying a great deal of African and Afro-American/Latin American music, especially Cuban, his music really shows the continuity between the two.

Second from the top, but up there.......1999-08-09

I think Papa Wemba went a little American in some of the tracks, however it's still a fine cd. Maybe it's because I (and most Zairians) identify this music with soukouss or African rumba. I'm one of few people of European descent who know his real name. He is one great showman.

too much production, not enough soukous.......1999-07-28

There *are* a few good tracks on this disc, but Papa Wemba's all-soukous albums are the Genuine Article -- listen to him with Viva La Musica (his current working group) -- the groove is irresistible, the vocals soar (much more so than on this album) and you'll have a taste of what tout le monde really loves! (Nothing blanded-out or dull, certainment.)

Tasteful, feel good, afro-pop.......1999-05-05

I bought this cd because it had received a favorable review in Modern Drummer magazine. To say the least, that review is well deserved. It says something about a performer when he can connect with a listener who does not even speak the same language. The songs presented here range from Paris-glazed funk, to traditional african vocal styles. Regardless of what your tastes are, you will find this CD to be one of the most uplifting in your collection. Along with Latin music, I feel African music represents what will be a powerful force in the music industry to come.

Average customer rating:

Somo Trop Papa Wemba ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000DH93R Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Somotrop
2. St Jean Mbelekete
3. Lamentation
4. Ewawa
5. Il Eve
6. Sodome et Gomorrhe
7. Nom de l'Amour
8. Esprit Ya Sika
9. Nako Dder

Tracks:

1. Mokrekese
2. Alanga Nzembo
3. Num d'rou
4. Kombo Monene
5. Congo Moko
6. Masayuki "Viva Tendance"
7. Maria Che
8. Muana Tokyo

Average customer rating: Charming, Accessible, and if this doesn't make you wanna dance... And Now for Something Completely Different This is the way! Emotion-by Papa Wemba Fun, sometimes funny, Afro-pop

Emotion Papa Wemba Manufacturer: Real World ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Molokai Le Voyageur 1977-1997 Bameli Soy The Rough Guide to Franco: Africa's Legendary Guitar Maestro ASIN: B000000HPE Release Date: 1995-04-25

Tracks:

1. Yolele
2. Mandola
3. Show Me The Way
4. Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song)
5. Rail On
6. Shofele
7. Image
8. Sala Keba (Be Careful)
9. Awa Y' Okeyi (If You Go Away)
10. Epelo
11. Ah Ouais (Oh Yes)

Album Details

Fresh and Daring as Ever, this World-class Singer Continues his Ascendancy to Global Fame. Total Emotional Impact.

Customer Reviews:

Charming, Accessible, and if this doesn't make you wanna dance..........2006-05-17

then you must have forgotten how to!

This was my first album from Papa Wemba and even though a listen to his other works makes one think this is kind of a distillation of more variety-- what's extracted is still pretty pure to ear and pretty likeable to the feet.

The songs here are so polished you will think you have heard them somewhere before on the first listen... and that will make you think that there might be some higher plane of music that we all have access to on a subconscious level but that few of us can play in the studio. Papa Wemba can.

And Now for Something Completely Different.......2005-02-17

I had the fun of finding out about Papa Wemba at a surprise appearance he made at an "off Sunset" hot spot in L.A. in the late 90's. At the time, I had recently discovered Peter Gabriel and the Worldbeat sound. Papa and the band took the stage and it was the equivalent of seeing the AfroPop version of James Brown, I kid you not. Just don't expect funk...its more his showmanship and presence that i draw the comparison to.

Now with that type of endorsement you would think that the album would appeal to all. It will not. Emotion is a fantastic array of AfroPop songs which have very catchy hooks, and rhythms. The kind that make you want to dance (even if you are like me and have no rhythm). On that nite, I joined the few hundred others on the dance floor and had the most amazing experience.

Perhaps it was the beats, more likely it was the passion that Mr. Wemba has when he sings. Ok, so I can't tell you what he is singing about (thank god for liner notes) but I can tell you that it is infectious.

Not every song is a hit, they have a feel of a "clean" production, but there will stay with you for a lifetime.



Enjoy!

This is the way!.......2001-07-27

Very intricate and emotional,this is probably his greatest album so far.The quality of songs is top notch,in fact every one of them is a little gem,warm and sensuous like the African sun.The production on this album is very careful, bringing to the forefront details and nuances that add to its the depth and value.

Emotion-by Papa Wemba.......2000-12-16

I love African and South American music. I cannot find these kinds of music in my country but on my travels, I try to find them through music shops, festivals and through Amazon or Putumayo and other organisations promote world music. Of all my collection of African music, "Emotion" is a beautiful, touching and heart rending rythm of modern, contemporary African music. My children (one is two and the other five years old) and I love to listen and dance to this CD. When I am alone, I play it and watch the sun sets over my balcony.

Fun, sometimes funny, Afro-pop.......1999-08-21

If you enjoy the music of other Afro-pop stars that have risen to popularity lately (i.e., Baaba Maal, Youssou N'Dour), you'll enjoy Papa Wemba.

This disc is a popsy blend of African rhythms, guitars, and wailing vocals, and the charisma and style of Papa Wemba is infectious and entertaining. Just don't expect anything too deep from this album.

Average customer rating:

Best of Papa Wemba Papa Wemba Manufacturer: Suave ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000AKNQX Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

1. No Comment Eva
2. Mi Amor
3. Est Ce Que
4. O Koningana
5. Sai Sai
6. Pourquoi Tu N Es Pasia
7. Rrence
8. De Stin Ya Moto
9. Ol Dies Are Goodies

Tracks:

1. Kaokokokorobo
2. Soul Gbemani
3. Bakala Dia Kuba
4. Abu Pia
5. Nani Temoin
6. Mix DJ Saidoui: Kaokokokorobo/Nani Tin/Oldies Are Goodies/Bravo Cath

Average customer rating:

Papa Wemba/New Morning ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music ASIN: B000FL6YK4 Release Date: 2006-07-04

Average customer rating: African all-stars... Twice Upon(n) Melodic representation of a melodic film A brilliant soundtrack for a quirky & fun film

Twice upon a Yesterday Various Artists Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Twice Upon a Yesterday ASIN: B00000JCGF Release Date: 1999-06-29

Tracks:

1. You'd Give Anything In The World To Put It Right? (Fragment From The Film) - Victor
2. Show Me The Way - Papa Wemba
3. Sebe Allah Y'E - Alpha Blondy
4. Nyanama - Salif Keita
5. All I Ever Wanted - Lenny Kravitz
6. Brigadier Sabadi - Alpha Blondy
7. Damn Your Eyes - Zap Mama
8. Wanna Be Loved - Buju Banton
9. Spark Up - Mendo Y Fuster
10. Friends Are Friends - Rafa Russo
11. Nostalgie Amoureuse - Zap Mama
12. Cupid's Archery - Mendo Y Fuster
13. The Man With Rain In His Shoes - Angel Illarramendi

Customer Reviews:

African all-stars..........2001-12-13

I, too, came across this London-set film by late-night accident, but as a Brit ex-pat living in LA it had immediate resonance. Not only was the film suprisingly sweet and thoughtful (think Groundhog Day crossed with Notting Hill), but the African music meshed with the urban settings, dilemmas and fantasies. Twenty years ago I ran Africa Beat, a post-punk era magazine dedicated to the incredible variety of African pop musics - this was pre Paul Simon Graceland, which boosted and then deflated the genre. Most of these artists on the soundtrack are African superstars who, I then shouted, should be better known in the west, heroes such as Alpha Blondey, who popularised reggae in Ivory Coast, etc. Now, having seen how so much (but not all) African music loses its way when it comes in contact with the west, I am glad my magazine did not win the day. And that I saw this film, and loved its music once again.....

Twice Upon(n).......2001-05-14

Couldn't sleep one night and caught this quirky little movie I enjoyed totally , and awoke the next morning humming Papa W's "Show Me the Way"... so had to search all over to get the cd! Now I listen to it at home, work, on freeway, and I still haven't tired of the Music. From Papa Wemba to Zap Mama (where do they get those names?) each of these cuts is excellent, and there is Not ONE song that you won't like!! Highly recommend its' use to expand one's music horizon.

Am ordering another for a friend and extra for my auto!!

Melodic representation of a melodic film.......2001-03-15

I caught the movie for the first time on a cable movie channel. It was one of those Brit films that American television thought worthy to play on HBO. Anyway, I loved it and part of the reason is because of the brilliantly meshed tunes and melodies that were placed strategically in their rightful places. Over the top review? Perhaps. However, I loved it. Good job.

A brilliant soundtrack for a quirky & fun film.......1999-12-11

The film was brilliant in an unassuming & lighthearted way....from a seemingly lame premise, it gained points due to splendid emotional texture and some strong performances....Now, in terms of the music....I loved the recurring theme during segments of the film....had never heard of the composer before...was delighted to see that there was a soundtrack...highly recommend it if you enjoy melodic music...Ola..

Average customer rating:

1977-1997 Papa Wemba Manufacturer: Stern's Africa ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Emotion Papa Wemba Le Voyageur "Sleeping on the Couch Golden Afrique, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0001MBKNS Release Date: 2004-03-02

Tracks:

1. M Supeure
2. Tgramme
3. Amina
4. Loni
5. Analengo [Original Version]
6. Efeka Mandundu
7. Matebu
8. Bukavu Dawa

Tracks:

1. Malimba
2. Kitida
3. Esclave [Original Version]
4. M'Balumuna
5. Adidas Kiesse
6. Victime de la Mode
7. Aladji-Djambo
8. Jingle Amina
9. Mi Amor
10. Mama

Average customer rating: My Favorite Wemba CD, One of the Great Congolese Albums

Papa Wemba Papa Wemba Manufacturer: Stern's ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sam Mangwana Sings Dino Vangu 1977-1997 Emotion Specialist in All Styles Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Africa ASIN: B000008M7J Release Date: 1994-03-08

Tracks:

1. M'Fono Yami
2. Bakwetu
3. Analengo
4. Mukaji Wanyi
5. Bokulaka
6. Hambayi Ede
7. Esclave

Amazon.com

The artist formerly known as Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba's first Western album, released in 1988, is in many ways also Papa Wemba's last typically Zairean album. Produced by Martin Meisonnier, who worked commercial magic on King Sunny Ade, it's a rich and resonant showcase for Wemba's velvet-sandpaper voice. The album's centerpiece, after several shorter hors d'oeuvres, is "Bokulaka," whose slow introduction (nearly always dropped by modern soukous groups) gives Wemba a chance to stretch out in a blues mode before the band explodes into a fiery "seben" dance vamp nudged into hyperdrive by guitar hero Rigo Star. The disc's other highlight is "Esclave," on which Papa Wemba digs deeply into soukous's rumba roots and plays an exciting game of musical tag with keyboardist Philippe Marais. --Richard Gehr

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite Wemba CD, One of the Great Congolese Albums.......2001-02-17

Buy this CD. I purchased this lp in 1988 and it is still my favorite recording by the great Papa Wemba. In the late 60s and early 70s, Wemba helped revolutionize Congolese music by founding Zaiko Langa Langa. This is the group that dropped the horns, placed the guitar front and center, while speeding up the music. At some point Wemba left the group to become an African superstar. While recorded in Europe, this album retains the energy and vigor of his album aimed at the African market, while containing stunning production values and incrediable performances. The songs are varied and each one contains more creative ideas than many musicians have in their whole life. Wemba sings a beautiful ballad, a mutwache, and straight ahead soukous. Wemba has a voice like a bird. After 12 years, this album still resonates in my head. This record is great for dancing, driving, and simpley listening to.

Average customer rating: Record that Never Stales. Perfect! not what i expected PAPA WEMBA AT HIS BEST Perfect. True blue Zairian soukouss

Pole Position Viva La Musica & Papa Wemba Manufacturer: Sonodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Emotion ASIN: B00000IIG1 Release Date: 1996-03-13

Tracks:

1. Kaokokokorobo
2. AprTout - Viva La Musica
3. Perdu de Vue (Auguisha)
4. Soul Gbemani
5. Jingle Amina
6. Overdose
7. Nani Tin
8. Endenda (Ufukutanu)
9. Toutou Kamuk
10. Sema Spraya
11. Mississippii (Cele-Le-Roi
12. Hommage

Customer Reviews:

Record that Never Stales. Perfect!.......2004-01-18

When I first got this record, I put it on and for some reason I was not that blown away. I put it on the second time and have listened to it every day for almost a year. Well I must have been having an existential crisis when I first played it. Why Wemba cannot seem to make another good old fashioned Rumba record like this is beyond me. This is his shining moment. This record is not that difficult to find and will probably become available again on Amazon. Grab it when it does surface again. I don't care for Wemba when he is making "cross-over" recordings and soukouss records with annoying animations. Papa has the goods and when he wants to he can make pure Congolese Rumba like this.

not what i expected.......2001-02-02

didnot like this one as much as emotions.... Maybe my expectations were too high after listening to Maria Valencia in besieged

PAPA WEMBA AT HIS BEST.......1999-09-24

THIS CD IS SUPER AS IT CONTAINS A VERY RICH FUSION OF ZAIREAN CULTURE, RYTHYM AND DANCE STLE. FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW WHO THIS CHAP IS THEN THIS IS THE CD TO TRY. THE INSTRUMENTATION, ANIMATION AND VOCALS ARE FANTASTIC. I RATE IT HIS #1. BEST IF YOU LIKE LISTENING TO COOL RICH MUSIC. A HIT LIKE -SEMA SPAYA- SUMS IT ALL!!!

Perfect. True blue Zairian soukouss.......1999-08-09

This is one of the first cds From Papa Wemba I ever bought. The guitar, backup and animation from Viva La Musica is amazing. This cd is precious. Anyone who gets it should cherish it.

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