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