Explore Soukous on Josplay Music Soukous, also known as Lingala, is a fast-paced, high-energy African music genre rooted in traditional Cuban rumba and Congolese folk music. It is characterized by its upbeat, danceable rhythms, featuring a mix of electric guitars, bass, drums, and horns. The electric guitar is the backbone of the sound, often playing riffs, leads, and solos. The bass line is often prominent and plays a driving groove, while the percussion is usually very active, with layered rhythms and infectious grooves. Soukous often has a call-and-response structure, with vocalists singing the lead and the chorus responding. The lyrics are often in Lingala, an African language, but sometimes in French and English.
Soukous is a popular dance music from Central and East Africa. It is characterized by a strong, syncopated rhythm guitar, polyrhythmic percussion, and a smooth, sensual feel. Soukous typically features electric guitar improvisation, lively vocal harmonies, and intricate horn sections. Common instrumentation includes drums, bass, guitar, accordion, and saxophone. Soukous is a great choice for dancing, parties, and social gatherings of all kinds.
Influenced By: Congolese Rumba
Spin-Offs: Ndombolo
Etymologically, the term “soukous” derives from the French verb secouer, meaning “to shake.” It originally described a dance style marked by quick, rhythmic movements and eventually came to signify the genre itself. This evolution is reflected in the music’s lively, upbeat nature, which, combined with intricate guitar melodies, gives soukous its characteristic vitality and danceability.
The origin story of soukous varies by source. Musicologist Clément Ossinondé attributes its development to Congolese musician Franco Luambo and his band, TPOK Jazz, whose fast-paced odemba style pioneered the genre’s foundation. Franco also revolutionized soukous themes, incorporating social and political issues into lyrics, thereby transforming the music into a platform for social consciousness. Conversely, British writer Gary Stewart suggests that soukous originated in Brazzaville with guitarist Jacques Kimbembe, whose Super Band (later renamed Sinza) introduced soukous to Brazzaville’s nightlife scene in 1966. This innovation laid the groundwork for soukous as both a music genre and a distinct dance style.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, soukous became a leading dance music style across Africa and the African diaspora in Europe and North America. The Mobutu regime in Zaire propagated soukous as part of its Zairianization campaign, using it to instill a sense of national pride through patriotic themes. This period also saw many Congolese musicians migrating to France and Belgium, where they integrated soukous into local music scenes.
In its early days, soukous drew from Afro-Cuban styles, as Congolese musicians covered Cuban songs and gradually developed their own versions. Key pioneers included Antoine Kolosoy (Papa Wendo), as well as major bands like Le Grand Kallé et l’African Jazz and OK Jazz (later TPOK Jazz). The guitar soon became a prominent feature in soukous, largely due to TPOK Jazz guitarist Franco Luambo. A decade later, musicians from TPOK Jazz and African Jazz integrated American rock and soul elements, giving rise to a new, vibrant sound. Among the most influential figures were Tabu Ley Rochereau and Dr. Nico Kasanda, who formed African Fiesta, a band known for its fast, high-energy take on soukous. Their innovation was followed by groups like Zaiko Langa Langa and artists like Pepe Kalle, Empire Bakuba, Wenge Musica, and Koffi Olomide, who further spread soukous’s reach.
In the 1970s, political unrest in the DRC caused soukous musicians to relocate to nearby countries, where they influenced local music scenes. In Kenya and Tanzania, soukous blended with local sounds like benga and taarab, forming a regional “Swahili sound.” A series of soukous albums produced by Virgin Records in the UK also sparked interest among world music audiences, contributing to the growth of soukous communities in Paris and other parts of Europe.
In East Africa, soukous is known as "Lingala" music, referencing the language used in many soukous songs. In West Africa, it became known simply as “Congo music.” Soukous retained popularity in southern African nations like Zambia and Zimbabwe, where it is still sometimes referred to as Congolese rumba or rumba Lingala, highlighting its Afro-Cuban roots.
The singing style of Soukous often features call-and-response style vocals and melodic improvisation. It is often accompanied by a large band featuring electric guitars, bass guitars, drums, and percussion. The sound of the electric guitar is often heavily distorted and is used to create a driving rhythm. The vocals are usually in a high-pitched, melodic style, with a strong emphasis on improvisation.
The lyrics of soukous songs often deal with themes of love, relationships, and social issues. Some of the most popular themes in soukous music include romance, heartbreak, and celebration of African culture and heritage. Soukous music has also been used to address political and social issues, such as the struggles of life in urban centers, the challenges of living in poverty, and the importance of education and hard work. Overall, the most popular theme in soukous music is the celebration of life and the human experience.
Soukous music has been influenced by a variety of cultural factors. One of the main influences on soukous music is traditional music, which is characterized by its use of polyrhythms and call-and-response vocals. Soukous music also draws on the musical traditions of other African countries, such as Ghana, Senegal, and Angola. European popular music, particularly jazz and salsa, has also had a significant influence on the development of soukous music. Many soukous musicians have incorporated elements of these styles into their music, such as brass instrumentation and sophisticated harmonies. In addition to these musical influences, soukous music has also been shaped by the political and social climate of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries. The lyrics of soukous songs often reflect the struggles and challenges faced by people living in these countries, as well as their hopes and aspirations for the future.
The timbre of soukous music is energetic and lively, with a wide range of instruments contributing to its rich, complex sound.
Soukous music is characterized by its fast tempo, catchy rhythms, and memorable melodies. In terms of arrangement, soukous music is typically structured around a repeating pattern of bars, with each bar consisting of a specific number of beats. The rhythms in soukous music are often complex and feature a variety of syncopated patterns, and are played by the drums, percussion instruments, and electric guitars. The melodies in soukous music are typically carried by the vocals and the lead instruments, such as the electric guitar and keyboard. The melodies are often catchy and memorable and are often supported by harmonies sung by the chorus. Overall, the arrangement of soukous music is characterized by its fast tempo, complex rhythms, and memorable melodies, which come together to create a lively and energetic sound.