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

101	Bwale Music	Women singing when the mother of a newborn child comes out of isolation	04:44
102	Lukembi Tune	Man traveling and singing	01:59
103	Men's Worksong	Men clearing the forest for planting	02:45
104	Play Song	Women and children, a singing and dancing game	02:09
105	Girl's Dance	Young girls singing and dancing	01:57
106	Drums for Girls’ Dances	Women and girls singing, accompanied by drummers	04:10
107	Palm Fruit Cutter's Song	Man cutting palm fruits as he climbs the palm tree	01:43
201	Hunting Calls	Topoke children	01:49
202	Announcing a Death	Topoke drummers	01:08
203	Mourning	Women mourning	01:16
204	Signalling on Slit Log Drum / Signalling with the Voice / Horn Signalling / Mouth Signalling in Imitation of Trumpet / Mouth Signalling in Imitation of Flute	Log drum player	05:17
205	Gourd Percussion	Girls playing lilo gourds	01:33
206	Musical Bow	Two male performers	01:54
207	Zither, with Voice	Man playing zither and singing	02:01