The Topoke People of the Congo

Various Artists

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Released in 1959, this recording features the music of the Topoke, who live in the equatorial forest in the Tshopo District of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Topoke remained relatively isolated until the 1930s, and music and dance play an important role in their culture. Many of their instruments are made out of local raw materials, including the lukembi and bamboo drums. Among the varied functions of their music is announcing a death in the village, signaling, and accompanying forms of work, dance, and children’s play. The liner notes include background information about the Topoke and information about each song, with photos of the different instruments played.

Track Listing

101	Bwale Music	Singing heard when the mother of a newly-born child comes out of isolation	4:44
102	Lukembi Tune	Man traveling	1:59
103	Men's Work Song	Men clearing the forest fro planting	2:45
104	Play Song	Women and children	2:09
105	Girl's Dance	Young girls	1:57
106	Girl's Dance Drums	Drummers	4:10
107	Palm Fruit Cutter's Song	Man cutting palm fruits as he climbs the palm tree	1:43
201	Hunting Calls	Topoke children	1:49
202	Drums Announcing Death	Drummers	1:08
203	Mourning	Women mourning	1:16
204	Signalling: Slit Log Drum / Signalling: Voice Signalling / Signalling: Horn Signalling / Signalling: Mouth Signalling in Imitation of Trumpet / Signalling: Mouth Signalling in Imitation of Flute (medley)	Log drum player	5:17
205	Gourd Percussion	Girls playing lilo gourds	1:33
206	Musical Bow	Two male performers	1:54
207	Zither, with Voice	Musicians	2:01

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The Topoke People of the Congo

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