A passionate Kenyan rhumba music fan in the United States is set to launch a book on the genre. The book written by George ‘Jojo’ Ndege and titled, Rumba Evolution , delves into the account of the popular music.
Jojo, who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, spent more than six years putting the book together. It was initially to be launched in 2021 but this was put on hold due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to the Saturday Nation earlier this week, Jojo said he would visit Kenya next month after the official launch of the book on March 7. He is optimistic about getting more time to have more Kenyans know about the book.
“This is a book thrilling tale on a type of music that unwillingly left Africa in slave ships, went to Cuba, and then to the rest of the world before returning home to Africa as Congolese rhumba music," he said.
Jojo, who spends most of his time as a chef at his Tamu Grill Restaurant in Minnesota, is elated about the book launch plans.
“This is very special to me and the evening will be even more special with you as autographed copies will be available for sale. It will, indeed, be a rumba evolution party," he said.
The event to be held at the Cedar Cultural Centre in Minneapolis will feature live performances by artistes such as Shalita, Diatoti (DRC), Prezda Bandason (Kenya), and Innocent (Tanzania). All are accomplished African musicians based in Minnesota.
Rumba Evolution traces the journey of rhumba from its roots in Congo and Angola to the Cuban slave plantations where African slaves fused it with modified Spanish guitar works to create Cuban sounds.
In Congo, it was warmly embraced and made more popular with many legends such as Grand Kalle (Joseph Kabeselleh) and Franco (Luambo Luanzo Makiadi). It was re-Africanised and transformed into Congolese rhumba and then re-exported to other parts of the world..
Jojo’s favorite artistes include Franco Luambo, Tabu ley, Kanda Bongoman, Koffi Olomide, Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola.
Jojo has been instrumental in opening up the diaspora market for Kenyan music and comedy. He has worked with Jabali Afrika, Reddykulas, Redsan, Amani, Nameless, Gidigidi Majimaji, Jua Cali, Nonini, and Samba Mapangala, among others.
He also co-hosts the African Rhythms show, alongside DJ Salif Keita of KFAI Radio. The interactive online radio show features the best of African music.
