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The Topoke People of the Congo

Various Artists
The Topoke People of the Congo 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
Bwale Music Topoke women and girls presenting newborn child to village 04:44
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102
Lukembi Tune Man playing likembe 01:59
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103
Men's Worksong Men clearing the forest for planting 02:45
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104
Play Song Topoke women and girls 02:09
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105
Girl's Dance Topoke women and girls 01:57
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106
Drums for Girls’ Dances Topoke women and girls accompanied by slit-log drums 04:10
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107
Palm Fruit Cutter's Song Topoke man singing while cutting palm fruits 01:43
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201
Hunting Calls Topoke children making animal calls for hunting 01:49
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202
Announcing a Death Topoke drummers 01:08
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203
Mourning Topoke women in mourning ritual 01:16
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204
Signalling on Slit Log Drum / Signalling with the Voice / Horn Signalling / Mouth Signalling in Imitation of Trumpet / Mouth Signalling in Imitation of Flute Topoke men signalling with drum, voice, horn 05:17
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205
Gourd Percussion Topoke girls playing lilolo gourds 01:33
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206
Musical Bow Two Topoke men playing musical bow 01:54
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207
Zither, with Voice Topoke man singing and playing zither 02:01