Search - Tabu Ley :: Babeti Soukous

The elegance and power of soukous godfather Tabu Ley's 20-piece Afrisa International Orchestra, as heard during this live 1989 performance recorded in Peter Gabriel's Real World studio, begs comparisons with Duke Ellington and Count Basie's big bands. Tabu Ley has been one of the two giants of Afropop (along with the late Franco) since he began singing in the '50s, and his knack has lain in leading the pack while responding to prevailing musical trends. This hour-long set draws from '50s rumba-rock, classic late-'60s guitar-and-snare-driven soukous, melodic and undulating early-'80s kwassa-kwassa, and late-'80s rumba-disco. Tabu Ley orchestrates his guitar, vocal chorus, and horns with as much care as Basie brought to his brass. And while the format precludes the spectacle of Afrisa's lovely and talented dancers, guest singers Faya Tess and Beyou Ciel check in with their hits. --Richard Gehr