Dieu De La Guitare

It’s safe to say that the guitar styles that define Congolese music today can largely be attributed to the great Dr. Nico, who is rightfully known as “Dieu De La Guitare’’ or “The God of Guitar.” He introduced all kinds of different styles into Congolese popular music, from merengue and Latin rhythms to Hawaiian guitar and vernacular styles from his native Kasai region. In 1960 traveled with African Jazz— led by the great Joseph Kabasele — to Brussels to entertain diplomats during independence negotiations, and not long later played on “Independence Cha Cha,” one of the first pan-African hits and an example of the enormous influence Cuban music had on the continent at the time. African Jazz were so successful that Cameroonian sax player Manu Dibango even joined them, but the band eventually split, and Dr. Nico went on to form several new groups over his career, playing with legends of Congolese music such as Tabu Ley Rochereau. These were the golden years of Congolese music, and Dr. Nico’s progressive guitar-playing offered an alternative to the more traditional style of Congo’s other superstar, Franco. Over his career, with Orchestre African Fiesta, African Fiesta Sukisa, Rock-a-Mambo, African Jazz Aile Nico, and more, Dr. Nico released thousands of songs, so sifting through his discography can be daunting. This career-spanning LP set by Planet Ilunga is the perfect primer.