Jocelyn Balu - borumba (2026) [Hi-Res]

Borumba, the debut album by Congolese artist Jocelyn Balu, serves as a revival of the classic Congolese rumba sound from the 1940s to the 1970s. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in Kinshasa and his formative experiences with the legendary group Bakolo Music International, Balu eschews modern trends like soukous in favor of the traditional folk roots of the Lower Congo. Recorded in France with a dedicated ensemble of musicians, the record features nine original tracks that demonstrate both deep historical knowledge and technical virtuosity. The album concludes with an experimental fusion of Congolese roots and Haitian kompa, highlighting the fluid and evolving nature of these musical traditions.

Tracklist:
1-1 Jocelyn Balu - mobembo [2:21]
1-2 Jocelyn Balu - borumba song [3:02]
1-3 Jocelyn Balu;Jupiter Bokondji - eyo [4:06]
1-4 Jocelyn Balu - tata nimi [6:57]
1-5 Jocelyn Balu - kwe [3:03]
1-6 Jocelyn Balu - ya nzambe [3:56]
1-7 Jocelyn Balu - mokili [3:57]
1-8 Jocelyn Balu - batu [3:50]
1-9 Jocelyn Balu;Chorale Afrocoeur - yamba nga [7:47]