Jupiter & Okwess International - Hotel Univers 2013

Here, at last, is the first international release from Jupiter Bokondji, a long-time stalwart of the Kinshasa music scene who shook up Womad and Africa Express last year with his hypnotic, high-energy playing. Six years ago he was the subject of Jupiter's Dance, made by the French film-makers who memorably recorded the rise of Staff Benda Bilili. Now, with their apparent demise, Jupiter is poised to be the Congo's new celebrity. Backed by a tight, edgy band, he mixes traditional melodies and rhythms with jangling guitar riffs, funk and brass. There's a sense of danger and urgency in the singing of this self-styled "rebel general", and his songs range from the edgy Bapusi, with its descriptions of Kinshasa life, through to the brooding Congo, an attack on corruption, or Margerita, in which he is backed by the sassy vocals of Nelly Eliya. Well worth the wait.

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