JEAN BOSCO MWENDA (1952​-​1962)

A1.Masanga
A2.Mukwenu Wadima Madimi
A3.Bibi Mulevi
A4.Mukabe
A5.Masimango
A6.Twafurahi Mwaka Mupia
A7.Kwa Leza
B1.Kubisha Na Bakubwa
B2.Shiku Tuki Kuwa Na Kangwa
B3.Ku Bundongo
B4.Kipenzi We
B5.Kijana Moja
B6.Mwami
B7.Mama Kilio E

The first full-length LP dedicated to the early work of pioneering Congolese guitarist Jean-Bosco Mwenda!
Jean-Bosco created a totally unique approach to the acoustic guitar in the 1950s, and was perhaps the single greatest influence on early Central and East African guitarists. He was incredibly popular throughout the region, recording 200 sides for local release, and became known worldwide for the stunning guitar line on the song “Masanga.”
Despite his renown, he was a private man who insisted that music was a side job, and he focused on running his small businesses in Lubumbashi. While still beloved in Congo, Mwenda’s music fell out of popularity globally, and, with few exceptions, these early recordings have not been heard outside of small private collections.
This album features 12 rare songs of beautiful, complex fingerstyle guitar & Mwenda’s warm voice, as well as two beloved classics. All tracks are restored from original 78 RPM discs. Vinyl edition includes an insert with full lyric translations, bio, and photos.
“There are many musicians who play my songs, and me, I only play my own.”
〜メーカーインフォより

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