Oh Esto Y De Irvaba Cumabo / En Guantánamo

This two-song 7 inch release (on 45 rpm) is a teaser for the upcoming double LP album on Planet Ilunga dedicated to the Congolese band African Fiesta which was active during 1963-1965. African Fiesta was run by Roger Izeidi, Docteur Nico and Tabu Ley Rochereau. The trio not only recorded and performed but also managed the Vita label, home to every African Fiesta recording. We selected two exciting songs from the upcoming album for this elegantly designed 7 inch release. The A-side of the record, Oh Esto Y De Irvaba Cumabo, was labeled as a Mambo Espagnol. Several afro-latin music genres have influenced the Congolese music scene in the fifties and sixties, including cha cha cha, bolero, son montuno, merengue and pachanga, but few groups have adopted the mambo. It has its origins in danzón, son cubano, swing and jazz. Oh Esto Y De Irvaba Cumabo was composed by the Puerto Rican conga player Eduardo Cordero-Nuñez and the Belgian Mateo Ramos who were active in the French and Belgian Latin scene. Here played by Veracruz Vinagre and his orchestra, accompanied by the African Fiesta musicians. Docteur Nico adds a special touch with the use of Hawaiian guitar.

The B-side, En Guantánamo, is a faithful cover by African Fiesta of the eponymous Cuban song composed by Juana González. In the Congolese version it’s masterfully sung by Tabu Ley Rochereau.