Incoming alert from the indispensable Hive Mind Records of a new pop thrill for the Autumn. Teaming up with Stockholm label Sing A Song Fighter they’ve conjured up the release of ‘Congo Guitar’, the debut solo album from revered fret wizard Kahanga ‘Vumbi’ Dekula, due for delivery to your turntables from 15th September.
Dekula is the archetypal troubadour, a player who for over forty years has moved with his music and dedicated himself to sharing the joy of Soukous syncopation. From those Dr Nico/Franco influenced beginnings his guitar playing gained wider recognition in the 80’s when he joined Tanzanian muzik wa dansi giants Orchestra Maquis Original. Then in the 90’s after a move to Sweden and key stints with numerous groups as part of the thriving African scene in Europe, he finally formed his own unit in 2008, the underrated Dekula Band. This signalled his return to the eternal grooves of Congolese rhumba as well as the beginning of the pathway that leads to this new ‘Congo Guitar’ release.
Alert to the Dekula Band’s electric performances as well as Vumbi’s significance as a player, fellow Stockholm resident, musician/producer Karl Jonas Winqvist released their 2019 debut ‘Opika’ on his eclectic label Sing A Song Fighter. Connections made, the plans were then laid to capture the guitarist’s distinctive melodic style in a more stripped back setting as Winqvist says ‘…just concentrating on all the amazing riffs and beautiful, uplifting melodies’. From here came the recording of ‘Congo Guitar’ ready for its incoming transmission.
Preview track Maamajacy suggests that this move was more than sound, it was inspirational. The music here simply glistens with an honest joy. Delicate melodies, tip-toeing rhythms, Dekula’s chiming guitar and cosy vocal shares take you drifting closer to home or dreaming of distant places. Get ready for more magical ‘Congo Guitar’ transportation when the album drops.
Pre-order your copy of ‘Congo Guitar’ by Vumbi Dekula direct from Hive Mind Records HERE
