In the 1940s and 50s Congolese rumba, until then performed traditionally on lokole log drum and sanza thumb piano was modernised by a group of pioneers. They transformed it by playing it on electric guitar, Latin congas and brass instruments. There was certain influence from commercial Cuban music - including rumba, son and cha-cha-cha - circulating at the time, as well as the absorption of sounds from regional and folk musics brought by rural migrants to the country's cities.
Rumba's musical structure shifted due to the creative impulse of Joseph Kabasele 'le Gran Kalle' and members of his band African Jazz. Others involved in this re-birth were Mwamba Déchaud, Tino Barroza and Nicolas Kassanda aka Dr Nico. The first success of this new period came in 1948 with Marie Louise, by guitarist Antoine 'Wendo' Kalosoyi. Other groups contributed to the increase in popularity including in 1956 the legendary Franco Luambo Makiadi's OK Jazz, les Bantous de la Capitale in 1958 and later Tabu Pascal Ley's African Fiesta in 1963. Through their inventiveness and the very lively local scene rumba became the Congolese musical trademark, the first Pan-African dance sound.
Papa Noel played guitar with several groups from that era notably Rock a Mambo (with two members of Franco's OK Jazz), les Bantous de la Capitale, Kabasele's Orchestre African Jazz and then Franco's OK Jazz. For Café Noir he draws inspiration from Cuba, the island whose rumba has inspired many leading Congolese musicians. The connection is direct as during the colonial period many Congolese took an enforced passage as enslaved peoples to Cuba. Having survived their music was key to the creation of traditions in the ports of Matanzas and Havana which have become known as Cuban rumba.To celebrate this on this recording, Papa Noel's guitar is joined by the distinctive sound of the Cuban tres with its three pairs of metal strings played by Cuban sonero Cotó. Joining in this reunion is Cameroonian saxophonist Manu ('Makossa man') Dibango, giving him the opportunity to evoke the hot nights of Léopoldville (today's Kinshasa), drawing on his own early years playing there with African Jazz.
Both Cuban and Congolese rumba callejera (street rumba) are all about dance! With Café Noir, Papa Noel pays tribute to the fact that Cuba has always been both a model and source of inspiration for African rumberos.
Bon samaritain
Papa Noel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayeba likambo azali ko sala eh
Ba lobelaka moto likambo mbala moko
Ayeba likambo azali ko sala eh
Ba pekisaka moto likambo na tina eh
Soki aboyi, botika ye ameka nzoto
Ba pekisaka moto likambo na tina eh
Soki aboyi botika ye ameka nzoto eh
2) Ba lobelaka moto likambo mbala moko
Ayeba likambo azali ko sala
Ba lobelaka moto likambo mbala moko
Ayeba likambo azali ko sala
Ba pekisaka moto likambo na tina eh
Soki aboyi, botika ye ameka nzoto eh
Ba pekisaka moto likambo na tina eh
Soki aboyi botika ye ameka nzoto eh mama oh oh
3) Likambo nini eh cherie eh eh
Olingi nini eh Papy eh eh
Butu mobimba nga na lala te oh
Presence nayo necessaire mingi eh
Likambo nini eh cherie eh eh
Olingi nini eh Papy eh eh
Butu mobimba nga na lala te oh
Presence nayo necessaire mingi eh
4) Matoyi libanda, miso pongi te oh
Ngai moko na ndako nakomi ko yenga, yenga
Ko linga moto ezalaka etumbu eh
Na mipesa sinba ngai loboko mobali eh
Bolingo oyo okoma ko sabote
Ebanda kala bato nyoso ba mona
Tanga ba tours boni obetela ngai
Liboso na ndima yo na libala
5) Obandi ko landa ngai nono na 15 ans
Lelo na mipesa omona ngai zoba
Bolingo eponi te ezali na miso te
Na ndako okomi ko tala ngai pamba po nini oh
Bolingo oyo okoma ko sabote
Ebanda kala bato nyoso ba mona
Tanga ba tour boni obetela ngai
Liboso na ndima yo na libala
6) Sango na yoki ewuti na limbele
Ba pesi yo kombo Bon Samaritain
Na tala nzoto na miyokeli mawa
Moyen mosusu na sala ezali te po na bana eh
Bolingo oyo okoma ko sabote
Ebanda kala batu nyoso ba mona
Tanga ba tours boni obetela ngai
Liboso na ndima yo na libala
7) Mbongo ya sanza na monaka te oh
Okoma ko futela ndako ya limbele
Na kota likelemba nakomi ko zwa ngai moko
Na lata na bonga okomi ko kananga
Po nini oh
Likambo nini eh cherie eh eh
Olingi nini eh Papy eh eh
Butu mobimba nga na lala te oh
Presence nayo necessaire mingi eh
8) Na zuaka na pasi eh tika na sepela
Na bomba ndambo po na avenir ya bana nangai.
Mokili pasi bisengo pembeni eh
Ba wela ba zanga biso se malembe ah maman
9) Likambo nini eh cherie eh eh
Olingi nini eh Papy eh eh
Butu mobimba nga na lala te oh
Presence nayo necessaire mingi eh
10) Likambo nini eh cherie eh eh
Olingi nini eh Papy eh eh
Butu mobimba nga na lala te oh
Presence nayo necessaire mingi eh
The song "Bon Samaritain" by Papa Noel is a touching story that speaks about love, compassion, and empathy towards others. The song opens up with the singer urging people to help someone who is in distress. The lyrics emphasize the need to take care of those in need and offer hope to those who are suffering. The singer urges people to not abandon those who are going through difficult times in their lives. The song goes on to describe the trauma of the person in need and the compassion that they receive from others.
The chorus repeats twice, emphasizing the need to be empathetic and take action to help others. The lyrics describe the person in need as being helpless, and the only way to offer assistance is by reaching out with a kind hand. The song calls upon people to offer solace to those who are hurting, reminding us that our presence can make a big difference in the lives of others.
Overall, the song "Bon Samaritain" is a powerful reminder of how important it is to be compassionate and empathetic. Not only does it highlight the importance of helping others, but it also depicts the value of a listening ear and a caring heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Ba lobelaka moto likambo mbala moko Ayeba likambo azali ko sala eh
People ignore the problems of others and pretend they do not exist.
Ba pekisaka moto likambo na tina eh Soki aboyi, botika ye ameka nzoto
If someone asks for help, it is important to provide it without hesitation.
Likambo nini eh cherie eh eh Olingi nini eh Papy eh eh Butu mobimba nga na lala te oh Presence nayo necessaire mingi eh
Love and companionship are essential for a happy life.
Matoyi libanda, miso pongi te oh Ngai moko na ndako nakomi ko yenga, yenga Ko linga moto ezalaka etumbu eh Na mipesa sinba ngai loboko mobali eh
Loneliness can make life feel like a burden, but a small act of kindness can lift someone's spirits and give them hope.
Bolingo oyo okoma ko sabote Ebanda kala bato nyoso ba mona Tanga ba tours boni obetela ngai Liboso na ndima yo na libala
Love should bring people together, not tear them apart.
Obandi ko landa ngai nono na 15 ans Lelo na mipesa omona ngai zoba Bolingo eponi te ezali na miso te Na ndako okomi ko tala ngai pamba po nini oh
Love is not just a feeling, it is a commitment to support and care for someone even when it is difficult.
Sango na yoki ewuti na limbele Ba pesi yo kombo Bon Samaritain Na tala nzoto na miyokeli mawa Moyen mosusu na sala ezali te po na bana eh
When you see someone in need, be a good samaritan and offer help, no matter how small the gesture.
Mbongo ya sanza na monaka te oh Okoma ko futela ndako ya limbele Na kota likelemba nakomi ko zwa ngai moko Na lata na bonga okomi ko kananga Po nini oh
Sometimes material possessions can distract us from what is truly important in life - love, compassion and connection.
Na zuaka na pasi eh tika na sepela Na bomba ndambo po na avenir ya bana nangai. Mokili pasi bisengo pembeni eh Ba wela ba zanga biso se malembe ah maman
We must work hard towards a better future for ourselves and our children, and strive to overcome the struggles and obstacles that come our way.
Likambo nini eh cherie eh eh Olingi nini eh Papy eh eh Butu mobimba nga na lala te oh Presence nayo necessaire mingi eh
Love, companionship and support are essential for a happy life.
Contributed by Zoe L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Evans Machera
Real music is here. Dance.