Kiazi Malonga - Tembo Kia Ngoma (2021)

The album is a collection of original compositions that play homage to the music of the Kingdom of Kongo, a bygone monarchy that incorporated the lands that now include the countries of the Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Gabon.
The album in particular highlights the ngoma — drums that range in size and timbre and are the beating heart (literally and figuratively) of Congolese music. The English translation of the Tembo Kia Ngoma is roughly “wind of the drum,” a fitting title for an album that feels like a breath of fresh air.
The 10 tracks on the album run the gamut — from minimalist offerings of handheld drum beats to full-band excursions that include snapping electric guitar play and grooving bass lines. Underpinning each is a foundation of upbeat percussion, making each song feel like a galloping, jaunty joyride.

Tracklist:
1 01. Kiazi Malonga - Yangalala (04:55)
1 02. Kiazi Malonga - Lomami (04:45)
1 03. Kiazi Malonga - Tatamana (03:29)
1 04. Kiazi Malonga - Akéna Mina Mê (04:33)
1 05. Kiazi Malonga - Lukolela (03:52)
1 06. Kiazi Malonga - Akwa (03:23)
1 07. Kiazi Malonga - Tembe (03:08)
1 08. Kiazi Malonga - Ntâli Jazz (03:48)
1 09. Kiazi Malonga - Ndinga (05:32)
1 10. Kiazi Malonga - Mbongui (07:36)