House of Rhumba

12/08/2026

Afrisa International sata

12/08/2026

Face Cacheé by Wuta Mayi, from the album La Face Cacheé

No one was expecting in 2019 that one of rumba Congolaise’s consummate singing legends (TPOK Jazz / Quatre Etoiles / Kékélé to highlight just a few!) had recorded an album so fresh and full of that honeyed and gentle rumba, complete with lush, intricate arrangements, that sends any rumba lover into obsessive listening behaviour.

Of course Wuta Mayi is able to lean on genuine stars of rumba to bring his compositions to life with backing vocals from non-other than Nyboma Mwan Dido, superb guitar tapestries from the likes of Caien Madoka and Rama Ramazani, but on today’s chosen track, La Face Cacheé, it is the accordion of Viviane Arnoux that helps elevate the track. Normally she is linked with more of an experimental approach to music making, here Arnoux perfectly mimics the accordion sound of the early rumba of Camille Feruzi and the songs Franco would be influenced by Feruzi to record .

12/08/2026

Musical couples Sékou Kouyaté and Djénéba Seck – Paris – 2007

Guitarist, arranger, and singer-songwriter, Sékou Kouyaté also wrote several songs performed by his wife, Djénéba Seck, including “Djourou,” which means “credit” in Bambara, and “Abiban,” meaning “everything has an end” in Bambara.

Through these songs, he reminds us of the importance of faith and that everything in life, whether good or bad, eventually comes to an end.

Sékou Kouyaté is a guardian and transmitter of values. He never seeks to condemn, but rather to awaken consciences. His music does not dictate how one should live; instead, it invites everyone to reflect. ✨👑

12/08/2026

12/08/2026

Watch the Premier League champions in action against Como for our f...

12/08/2026

Sam mangwana aging like fine wine.God protect this legend for us.

12/08/2026

Ochestre Virunga is a famous East African band formed by Congolese singer, songwriter and band leader Samba Mapangala in Nairobi 🇰🇪 in 1981. The band got its name from the Virunga Mountains in the DRC. Some of the band members include Kasongo wa Kanema, Tabu Ngongo, Coco Zico Mafwala, D**o Mayombe, Fataki Lokassa, Bejos Dibuba Mikobi, Diana Kodila, Zorro Mapangala who's Samba's brother and dancer Marie Gabby. Singing in both Congolese Lingala and Kenyan Swahili languages, Virunga released their first album, It's Disco Time with Samba Mapangala in 1982 and won a large and dedicated following in Nairobi 🇰🇪. This was later followed by a huge following Internationally after the British release of the classic track Malako in 1984. Samba Mapangala is currently based in the US and he still continues to record music.

12/08/2026

THE TWO MOST AWARDED AFRICAN ARTISTS MET FOR THE FIRST TIME.

🏆 Among male artists, Wizkid 🇳🇬 is the most awarded African artist, with more than 205 awards.

👑 Among female artists, Angélique Kidjo 🇧🇯 stands as the most awarded African female artist in history, with more than 140 awards.

Two legends, two generations, one exceptional collection of achievements.

NB: Awards should not be confused with music certifications.

12/08/2026

29 years after his death, Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko still rests in Morocco.

On September 13, 1997, a few days after his death on September 7, the former President of Zaire was buried at the Christian cemetery in Rabat in the strictest privacy, in the presence of only members of his immediate family.

Nearly three decades later, his remains are still on Moroccan soil, awaiting a possible repatriation to his homeland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lest we forget mobutu was a good champion of Congolese music.

12/08/2026

Diasi Kadi: A Voice of Afrisa International
Diasi Kadi, also known as Kadio, was a Congolese singer remembered for his contribution to the golden era of Afrisa International, the legendary orchestra led by Tabu Ley Rochereau.

Kadi began his musical career as a backing vocalist with Orchestre Bella Bella, where he was a colleague and friend of the singer Kanda Bongo Man. In 1982, he joined Afrisa International, alongside bassist Shaba Kahamba. During his time with Afrisa, Kadi established himself as a talented vocalist and songwriter.

Among his compositions for Afrisa was “Mukuna,” recorded on Tabu Ley's Femme d'Autrui. His name also appears as composer of Afrisa recordings such as “Nakolanda Te” and “Bombanda Jamais.”

In 1984, Diasi Kadi moved to Afro International, an ensemble associated with Mimi Ley and Shiko Mawatu. Around 1988, he settled in Paris, where he joined the group led by guitarist Dino Vangu. He also participated as a backing vocalist in the Soukous Stars project Mega Mix Vol. 1.

Kadi later pursued a solo career. His best-known project appeared in 1991, with the support of his longtime friend Kanda Bongo Man. The project included “Alle Diata,” “Souci Ya Motema,” “Likambo,” “Paradis,” and “Nabanzi.” It brought together prominent musicians including Dally Kimoko, Nene Tchakou, Mimi Kazidona, Rémy Sahlomon, Komba Bello, Solo Sita, Shimita and Pompon Kuleta.

The songs “Souci Ya Motema” and “Paradis,” particularly his collaborations with Kanda Bongo Man, became among the most remembered recordings associated with his solo work.

Diasi Kadi was also part of the historic Afrisa circle that travelled internationally with Tabu Ley. A photograph from the group's 1984 U.S. and Canada tour shows Kadi alongside Tabu Ley, Pompon Kuleta, Dino Vangu and other members of the orchestra.
Diasi Kadi died in Paris on August 12, 1995, at Montreuil Hospital. He left behind a musical legacy remembered by former colleagues, Afrisa International followers and lovers of classic Congolese rumba.

May the soul of Diasi Kadi rest in peace.