Remmy Ongala Essentials

Tanzanian singer/songwriter and guitarist Remmy Ongala crafted a career around sociopolitically-aware music in the ‘80s and ‘90s, which swept across East Africa before achieving international acclaim. His bass-heavy, Afro-Cuban lilt, intertwining soukous and Congolese rumba are woven into the fabric of Ongala's storytelling, his lyrics reflecting poverty, corruption and injustice in Tanzania. But these sombre themes don't stifle the melodies; rippling, celebratory ubongo beats underpin his joyful, rich vocal tones, while plucked guitar riffs add a playful bounce.