
Zaïko Langa Langa is a Congolese soukous band formed in Kinshasa, in 1969. It was established by D.V. Moanda, Henri Mongombe, Marcellin Delo and André Bita, the band evolved from the Orchestre Bel Guide National, which is seen as Zaïko's predecessor. Co-founders included Papa Wemba, Jossart N'Yoka Longo, Manuaku Waku.
The word "Zaiko" is a portmanteau for the lingala phrase Zaire ya bankoko, meaning "Zaire of our ancestors", where "Zaire" must be read as a reference to the river by that name, now called Congo. The word "Langa" is a Bantu language of Maniema Province in the Democratic Republic Of The Congo.
Led by N'Yoka Longo, they are seen as the most influential African group and have participated in the evolution and innovation of the main musical genre in Congo, the Congolese rumba.
Due to several splits of the group, the Langa Langa clan was born, bringing together all the dissidents of the great Zaïko (including Viva La Musica, Isifi Lokole, Choc Stars, Langa Langa Stars, Quartier Latin).
Links to Peel[]
Peel started playing the group's records in the late 80's along with many other Congolese soukous artists. Further material from the group were played on his radio programmes until the early 00's. After Peel's death in 2004, it was later found out that he had several of their albums in his Record Collection: Z.
Shows Played[]
- 1989
- 04 April 1989: Moloki (LP - La Belle Epoque De Zaiko Langa Langa Avec Bimi Ombale (Sentiment Bimi)) Bono Music
- 27 December 1989: unknown
- 29 June 1991: Deception "B" (album - Ici Ça Va...Fungola Motema) Prozal
- 30 June 1991: Linya (LP - Ici Ça Va ...Fungola Motema) Prozal
- 21 July 1991: Déception B (album - "Ici Ca Va ...Fungola Motema") Zaiko Langa Langa
- 05 August 1991 (Ö3): 'Leki Ya Baby (LP-Ici Ça Va...Fungola Motema)' (Prozal)
- 07 December 1991: Kenya Safari (LP – Kenya Safari) Editions Esperance
- 08 December 1991: Mama-Mbanzo (LP - Kenya Safari) Disques Espérance
- 1992
- 04 January 1992: Masudi (album - Jamais Sans Nous) Tamaris
- 11 January 1992: Reviens Hyppau (album - Jamais Sans Nous) Tamaris
- 26 September 1992: Au Revoir Prince Bong (LP-Au Revoir Prince)' (Out Of Africa)
- 03 October 1992: Hyppo (album - Au Revoir Prince Bong) Out Of Africa
- 18 October 1992 (BFBS): Rich Avedila (LP - Au Revoir Prince) Out Of Africa
- 11 December 1992: Hyppo (album - Au Revoir Prince) Out Of Africa
- 1993
- 08 January 1993: Open Heart (12 inch - Tout Choc = Anti -Choc ) Sonodisc
- 15 January 1993: Martin Ahanga (LP - Bako Bandela) Sonodisc
- 23 January 1993 (BFBS): Coeur Ouvert
- 13 February 1993: 'Cheri Pupa' (LP - 'Bako Bandela') Sonodisc
- 09 April 1993: Mave (album - Souci Ya Zaiko... Zaiko Motema...) Sic Production
- 1995
- 01 July 1995: Egide (CD - Avis De Recherche) Stern's
- 1998
- 01 September 1998: Egide (LP - Avis De Recherche) Stern's
- 2000
- 06 July 2000: Amie Mamibo (v/a CD - Rough Guide To Congolese Soukous) World Music Network
- 24 August 2000 (Radio Eins): Amie Mamibo (v/a CD - Rough Guide To Congolese Soukous) World Music Network
- 18 October 2000: Intro Enjoy Langa Langa (B Mas Production)
- 02 November 2000 (Radio Eins): Maman Engalisa
- 23 November 2000 (Radio Eins): Beta Na Beto