Nino Malapet / (above center): Tino Baroza, guitar; Nino Malapet, sax; Jean-Serge Essous, clarinet; Roitelet, contrabass; Rossignol; unidentified woman; Sathan (laughing behind woman) / Saturnin Pandi

Orchestre Rock'a Mambo was a studio band that included a rotating roster of performers such as Lucie Eyenga, and Philipe "Rossignol" Lando, along with hornmen Nino Malapet & Jean-Serge Essous, guitarists Tino Baroza, Nico Kassanda, and Gogene, the young singers Mujos and Lemy, Saturnin Pandi on congas and Honoré Liengo on bass; as well as session men from OK Jazz, some from African Jazz, including Kabasele himself, and Conga Jazz of Dewayon. Adou Elenga, one of the elders (and composer of "Maria Tebbo"), returned from Angola to help set up the new band at the end of 1956. This interchangeable pool of talent was associated with the Esengo label, and released its first half dozen discs in January 1957. Albums, EPs and singles were released on Pathé-Marconi & Columbia and are now very hard to find. Typical merengues and cha-chas (Essous and Kabasele were both fanatical about Cuban music) were heard on the Hit Parade Africain series and the album African Memories. Rock'a Mambo was the mother of Bantous de la Capitale (which also included a splinter group from OK Jazz), thereby uniting the two main styles of Congolese rumba across the river in Brazzaville. A later version of the band, formed by Rossignol in 1963, featured Camille Lola a.k.a. "Checain" and Blaise Pascal Mayanda a.k.a. "Wuta Mayi" from OK Jazz, and Papa Noel on guitar, with Henri Bowane and a female singer Henriette Borauzima.

The following note is freely adapted from

"Rock-a-Mambo: a living legend (1957-61)"

by Clement Ossinonde found at Star du Congo (no longer active web page).

For countless Africans, the name Rock-a-Mambo evokes the Afro-American rhythms of the 1950s that broke down musical barriers and touched the many young individuals who embraced them.

Rock-a-Mambo: discovered by Marie-Isidore Diaboua "Lièvre"

The popularity of these rhythms in the Congo led the founders of the Esengo label to adopt the name "Rock-a-Mambo" -- it was the brainchild of Marie-Isidore Diaboua "Lièvre (the Hare)"-- and marked the foundation of a new style that would draw on local rhythms as well as those from Latin America.

Rock-a-Mambo succeeds Negro Jazz

You could say that Orchestre Rock-a-Mambo continued the work of Orchestre Negro Jazz of Brazzaville (1954-56) by teaching the youth of the time dances of Cuban origin, which absorbed tropical sunshine, and gave off a fragrant tropical air, dances such as the "Cha cha cha," the "Guajira," the "Mambo" and especially the "Son Cubain" of the Sexteto Habanero found in the "GV" series: memorable titles like "Helena Cumbachera," "Tres lindas Cubanas" and "El Manicero."

Rock-a-Mambo evokes something that we experienced then as so admirable in the arrangements of Congolese songs, in interpretations of Afro-Cuban rhythms, between 1957 & 1961. It was an opening up of Latin America that gave the Spanish influence an important place in Congolese music.

The advent of the Cha cha cha in the Congo

The "Cha Cha Cha" was born in Cuba in 1951: its inventor was Enrique Jorrin. In 1957 under the conductor Jean Serge Essous of Rock-A-Mambo we hear the earliest Congolese interpretations: "Baila" and "Sentimental Serenade," whose success has rarely been equaled.

With a prodigious mastery, the participants in Rock-A-Mambo (who were regularly accompanied by Joseph Kabaselle, Nico Kasanda, and Paul Ebengo "Dewayon" as part of the Esengo team) brought genuine innovation to the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures, as evidenced by the numerous songs recorded from 1957 to 1959. Examples include "Minzelele," "Maria Valenta" (De Wayon), "Jealousy," "Meta Maria" (Nino Malapet), "Bolingo na ngai Gigi," "Camarade ya mboka mondele" (Essous), "Bolingo Alphonsine," "Télégramme d'amour" (Nico Kasanda), "Mabe na yo moko," "Zozo moke" (Lucie Eyenga), "Tour de ville" (Rossignol), "Ya mwele," "Santa Lou" (Diaboua), "Chauffeur Masibu," "Ebale mbanda" (Kallé), etc.

Henri Bowane: At the Heart of the Production

For the record, historically speaking, go back to 1956 and locate this as the year of the reinvigoration of Congolese music, one that represents a great moment in its evolution. Central to this history is the eminent Henri Bowane, guitarist, composer, impresario, pillar and cultural leader of almost every major music company (which were managed by Greeks at the time). In particular, Editions "Ngoma" of Nico JERONIMIDIS (1948-9), "Loningisa" of brothers Athanasius and Basil PAPADIMITRIOU (1950-6) and Dino Esengo ANTONOPOULOS (1956-9). Bowane remained a true lobbyist for the development of talented musicians from both sides of the Congo. Solidarity was required for this son of a Congo Brazzavillois father (Sibiti) and mother from the DRC (Bandaka).

Indeed, during 1956, Bowane lost some of that enthusiasm which had been spurred by his activities in the early 50s at Loningisa. He sought a new track, and found something completely interesting.

A Greek businessman Dino ANTONOPOULOS, decided to establish a new music publishing firm in Leopoldville (Kinshasa) with material bought from the brothers BENATAR of "Opika" which was dissolved in 1955. (Between 1950-55, the label promoted their house group the OTC, or "Orchestra Tendance Congolaise" with Joseph Kabaselle, the duo Jhimmy and Mwanga, Gobi, Jacques Elenga "Eboma" Tanko & Basile, Fud Candrix, L'African Jazz, etc...) In Henri Bowane was found the right person to guarantee the success of the new music company and above all hope for the quality of its production. He became Artistic Director of the firm to which he assigned the name "Esengo" (joy).

The departure of Henri Bowane from editions "Loningisa" was a big blow, because he took with him a large number of musicians, including Jean Serge Essous, Philippe Rossignol Lando, Saturnin Pandi, Liengo Honoré, Augustin Moniania "Roitelet," who would form initially the Trio "Beros" (Bowane-Essous-Rossignol) to accompany other excellent musicians like Eugene Ngoy Gogène, Leon Nzambe "Sathan", Alphonse Epayo, Maproco, and Marie-Isidore Diaboua "Liengo." In the milieu of the Rumba, the Trio "Beros" laid the foundation with many titles that have arrangements whose construction demonstrated a strong desire to think outside the box.

The Reign of Nino Malapet

Nino Malapet, then a player for Editions Loningisa and a member of OK Jazz, came aboard. He was joined by Edo Ganga and Celestin Kouka, and, on 27 December 1956, by Jean Serge Essous, Philippe Lando "Rossignol" and Pandi Saturnin from OK Jazz.

Saxophonist Nino Malapet had the right qualities and above all a style. In addition, he specialized in lovely arrangements. In this regard, he really deserved to be a leader. So after a few recordings with OK Jazz in January 1957, he yielded to the offer of Henri Bowane and joined the Trio "Beros" and other old friends. Together they formed the Orchestra Rock-a-Mambo in February 1957. Nino Malapet naturally assumed the leadership.

The musicians from the inception of Rock-a-Mambo were:
Nino Malapet, sax, conductor, and Jean Serge Essous, clarinet.
Philippe Lando "Rossignol (Nightingale)" and Leon Nzambe "Sathan," vocals.
Emmanuel Baloji "Tino Baroza" and Eugene Ngoy "Gogène," guitar solo and rhythm.
Honoré Liengo & Augustine Moniania "Roitelet," bass guitar.
Saturnin Pandi, congas & percussion.
Subsequently were added Antoine Nedule "Papa Noel" -- to replace Tino Baroza -- and Jacques Mambau "Jacky" guitar solo and rhythm.

Nino Malapet, infused new blood into the discipline. Note, in compositions, a special fondness for "Rumba Rock," the Cuban "Son" and "cha cha cha": the results were joyous.

The three marvels of "Esengo": Rock-a-Mambo - African Jazz - Conga Jazz

That said, the Esengo firm meanwhile enlisted the orchestras African Jazz of Joseph Kabaselle, and Paul "DeWayon" Ebengo's Conga Jazz, which brought particularly remarkable contributions to the artistic label. By pooling the musicians of all three groups of the stable, the recordings attained perfection. Indeed, the musicians of Rock-a-Mambo, African Jazz of Joseph Kabaselle and Paul "DeWayon" Ebengo's Conga Jazz had strong affinities between them, both humanly and artistically. They especially emphasized the dazzling form of melodic thinking, the extent of instrumental mastery that served as a platform for hit recordings made in the context of what was then called "African-Rock."

Note among the headline successes of their collaboration: "Lemoti" (DeWayon), "Bolingo etumbu" (Essous), "Lily Germaine" (Tino Baroza), "Li Duo Maravila" (Nico Kasanda), "Panchita" (Nino), "Brigitte" (Lucia Eyenga), "Kumbele kukimbele" (Kalle), "Tika seli ngai," "Rock-a-mambo" (Rossignol), "Nzungu ya Loso" (Liengo), "Bakule bidama" (Liengo), "Damoni Charlotte" (Papa Noel), "Oye Jacky" (Jacky Mambau), and many others.

The Creation of Les Bantous

On August 15, 1959, Brazzaville Congolese musicians who played in the Kinshasa orchestras Rock-a-Mambo and OK Jazz returned to Brazzaville and gave birth to the orchestra Bantous. Rock-a-Mambo lost Essous and Pandi. Nino Malapet avoided the enforced absence. He had an idea that motivated him to not be in Brazzaville at the exit of the Bantous, a strategy to leave on a tour to Gabon with Rock-a-Mambo and these musicians:
Lando "Rossignol" and Paupaul, vocals; Antoine Nedule "Papa Noel," Eugene Ngoy "Gogène" and Mambau "Jacky," rhythm and solo guitars; Liengo Honoré, bass guitar; Houla Bruno, percussion and Antoine Depadou, maracas.

This formation produced masterpieces like "Iyele," "Yamare," "Bidama ya Rock'a," and "Tocame" of Nino Malapet, released in 1960 by Editions Esengo.

Nothing changed the traditional harmonic line of Rock-a-Mambo, however, as it offered a novel approach to sax solos. Nino Malapet quickly filled the void left by Essous on his clarinet, adopting a style of playing soprano sax, while the young Bruno Houla proved a worthy replacement for Pandi. He is confirmed as the star pupil of the master. (Later he became a renowned saxophonist; Bruno Houla died Dec. 8, 2009 in Brazzaville).

The Demise of Rock-a-Mambo

In 1961, Rock-a-Mambo -- which has lost guitar soloist, Antoine Nedule "Papa Noel"-- was again invited to Libreville, Gabon. Their popularity was strong since the previous tour. However, they had to pass through Pointe-Noire, Congo, en route to Libreville. While in the port of Pointe-Noire, Rock-A-Mambo gave concerts in the Samba Bar and Palladium. There followed an unexpected event: the breakup of Rock-a-Mambo, due to serious differences of interest. It was a painful dislocation, as it led to the auction of their instruments, to allow some of the musicians to return to Brazzaville and others to Kinshasa.

Reintegration into Les Bantous

In 1961 Nino Dieudonne Malapet, who still had a special place in the Bantous, for being the inspiration and the leader in Kinshasa, joined his colleagues in the orchestra Les Bantous, after a quick visit to the Higher Education Center in Brazzaville (BESC) to follow a course in law.

And so, in 1961, ended the fabulous and legendary Rock-a-Mambo after a very commendable career in rhythm and harmony. It was a major music school that gave the two Congos its greatest representatives: Nino Malapet, Jean Serge Essous, Saturnin Pandi, Bruno Houla, Philippe Lando "Rossignol," Honoré Liengo, Antoine Nedule "Papa Noel," Tshilumba wa Baloji "Tino Baroza," & Augustine Moniania "Roitelet."


DISCOGRAPHY OF ORCHESTRE ROCK-A-MAMBO

albums:

AFRICAN RETRO vol. 5
Pathé Marconi - EMI 2 C064-15962

A1: Les Voyous (merengue - lingala) (Nino)
A2: Mi cancion (cha cha cha - lingala) (Nino)
A3: Maria Valente (cha cha cha - lingala)
A4: Rumba Queiro (rumba - lingala) (De Wayon)
A5: Baila (cha cha cha - espagnol) (J. Essous)
A6: Serenade sentimentale (rumba - lingala) (J. Essous)
B1: Jalousie (cha cha cha - espagnol) (Nino)
B2: Panchita (cha cha cha - espagnol) (Nino)
B3: El rumba so (cha cha -mereng Esp.) (D.P.)
B4: Esnghe Zuke (rumba - lingala) (D.P.)
B5: Bonne Année (rumba - lingala) (D.P.)
B6: Oyambaka ngai (rumba - lingala) (D.P.)


cover courtesy of dusty psychic hut

compilations:

AFRICAN RETRO Vol 6
Pathé Marconi - EMI 2 C064-15978 P. 1972? (Recorded 1962-6)

also: Société Ivoirienne du Disque SID24

A1: Fusée (African Fiesta)
A2: Cimetière (African Fiesta)
A3: Como no (African Fiesta)
A4: Zonga na mbeto na yo (African Fiesta)
A5: Chauffez African Jazz (Kabasele & Rock'a Mambo) *also released on 78 as Columbia ESN.14 with note guitar solo: Nico
A6: Besame Mucho Jaquelina (Kabasele & Rock'a Mambo) *B-side of above 78 RPM release on Columbia
A7: Nunca Hebisto (Negro Band)
A8: Mboka Oyo (Negro Band)
B1: Bakoule Bidame (Liengo & Rock'a Mambo) (This one and next three tracks from ESDF1401)
B2: Brigitte (Lucie Yenga & Rock'a Mambo)
B3: Kumaye (Nezy & Negro Band)
B4: Senhorita (Baguin & Negro Band)
B5: Mabe na yo moko (Lucie Yenga & Rock'a Mambo)
B6: Bolingo Alphonsine (Kabasele et Rossignol & Rock'a Mambo)
B7: Vea 58 (Kabasele et Rossignol & Rock'a Mambo)
B8: Nalingi na ngai Kobalate (Bidama & Rock'a Mambo)


Rock-a-Mambo & l'African Jazz
SOUVENIRS FROM ESENGO 1957-1961

Planet Ilunga 2-LP 2014 (Planet Ilunga PI02 2014)
The first proper reissue of Rock-a-Mambo in over 40 years. Also features an LP of African Jazz. (See my review on the "Congo Classics" page)
Record one: Rock-a-Mambo (Record two is African Jazz and African Rock)
1. Panchita (Nino Malapet)
2. Baila (Essous)
3. Mi Cancion (Nino Malapet)
4. Toca Mi (Nino Malapet)*
5. Oye Jacquy (Nino Malapet)
6. Rossignol Cantador (Rossignol)
7. Siempre Mi (Rossignol)
8. Serenade Sentimentale (Essous)
9. Lily & Germaine (Tino Baroza)
10. Pesa Ngai Falanga Na Masanga (Tino Baroza)
11. Babalou (Essous)
12. Bakoule Bidama (Liengo Honore)
13. Iyele (Nino Malapet)
14. Mioto Na Likolo (Essous)

*Due to mislabeling of the original, this is actually "Lo Qui A Mi" (Papa Noel)


image courtesy of Bolingo.org
AFRICAN MEMORIES
Pathé Marconi - EMI 2C062-15136; also C062-15810

A1: Merengue Nico (merengue) 2:38 Nico & son ensemble
A2: Li dvo maravilla (cha-cha) 2:45 Orchestre Rock-a-mambo
A4: Micky mi queiro 2:50 Nino [Malapet] & Orchestre Rock-a-mambo
A5: Oye Jacquy (cha-cha) 2:50 Orchestre Rock-a-mambo
B6: Merengue Babalou (merengue) 2:40 Orchestre Rock-a-mambo

Note: "Merengue Nico" & "Merengue Babalou" also released on Portuguese EP Columbia SLEM2142, with African Jazz "Tembe nie" & "Toleli Willy."


image courtesy of seaneverdry

EPs:

Orchestre Rock-A-Mambo
Columbia ESRF 1460; also ESDF1321

A1: Baila (J. Essous)
(Cha cha cha, chanté en espagnol)
A2: Serenade sentimental (J. Essous)
(Rumba, chanté en lingala--vernaculaire du Congo Belge)
B1: Jalousie (Nino)
(Cha cha cha, chanté en espagnol)
B2: Panchita (Nino)
(Cha cha cha, chanté en espagnol)

Chant: Kabasele - Rossignol
Guitares: Nico et Tino
Clarinette: Essous
Basse: Roitelet

All four tracks included on African Retro vol 5


image courtesy of bolingo.org
Rossignol et l'Orchestre Rock 'A Mambo
Columbia ESRF 1793; also ESDF 1321

A1: El rumba so
(cha-cha - chanté en espagnol)
A2: Esnghe zuke
(rumba - chanté en lingala)
B1: Bonne année
(rumba - chanté en lingala)
B2: Oyambaka ngai
(rumba - chanté en lingala)

Enregistrement Esengo (Congo Léopoldville)

All four tracks included on African Retro vol 5


courtesy swingaconga.blogspot.fr
Orchestre Rock-A-Mambo numero 2
ESDF 1372

A1: Les Voyous, merengue
A2: Mi cancion (cha cha cha)
B1: Maria Valente (cha cha cha)
B2: Rumba quiero, rumba

Note: All four tracks included on African Retro vol 5 and Groupes chocs des années 50s


compilation:

GROUPES CHOC DES ANNEES 50s
A1: Maria Valente - Rock-a-Mambo
A2: Rumba Quiero - Rock-a-Mambo
B1: Bolingo ya la jolie - Lucie Eyenga
B3: Les voyous - Rock-a-Mambo
B4: Mi cancion - Rock-a-Mambo

CD reissue [shown at left]:
01. Parafifi (Africa Jazz)
02. Maria Valenta (Rocka Mambo)
03. BB 69 (Africa Jazz)
04. Adios Tete (Africa Jazz)
05. Mokoli Mobimba (Africa Jazz)
06. Les Voyous (Rocka Mambo)
07. Merengue (Africa Jazz)
08. Ndaya Paradis (African Fiesta)
09. Independance (Africa Jazz)
10. Na Kozela Mama (Ok Jazz)
11. Faux Millionaire (African Fiesta)
12. Na Weli Boboto (Africa Jazz)
13. Mobali Ya Ngelele (Vox Africa)
14. Ah! Bolingo Passi (Ok Jazz)
15. Mia Cancion (Rocka Mambo)
16. Bolingo Ya La Joie (Africa Jazz)
17. Adolphine (Africa Jazz)
18. Lucie (African Fiesta)


image courtesy of seaneverdry
CONGO LATINO
a.k.a. CONGO GOES LATIN

Columbia ESDF 1401 (with Negro Band)

A1: Brigitte by Rock-a-Mambo
A2: Bakoule by Rock-a-Mambo
B1: Kumaye by Negro Band
B2: Senhorita by Negro Band

All four collected on African Retro vol 6 and Evergreen Sound of Africa (Imperial Sound ISLP1201, Nigeria)


image courtesy of seaneverdry
rock a mambo no 3
a.k.a. CONGO GOES LATIN no. 2

Nino et l'Orchestre Rock-A-Mambo

"Yamare"
Columbia ESDF 1380 EP

A1: Yamare, cha cha cha - Chanté en espagnol
A2: Iyele, guaracha - Chanté en espagnol
[B-side is Edo et Essous avec Orchestre Bantou]
B1: Nalembi bipale
B2: Ah! Que pena



ORCHESTRE ROCK-A-MAMBO NO 4
Columbia ESDF 1403; orig: Esengo

A1: Mabe na yo moko
A2: Bolingo Alphonsine
B1: Vea 58
B2: Nalingi na ngai kubala te

Note: all tracks collected on African Retro vol 6



ORCHESTRE ROCK-A-MAMBO: ALLEGRIA
Columbia ESDF 1443; orig: Esengo (with Vedette Jazz)

A1: Allegria
A2: Memories of You
B1: La Muyera Antonio by Vedette Jazz
B2: Marie na baguette by Vedette Jazz



CONGO HIGHLIFE
Columbia SEE 1; (with NEGRO BAND) orig: Esengo. UK, 1961

A1: Cherie Nini (Rumba) composer/guitar: Nico
A2: Maria Valente (Cha-Cha-Cha) composer De Wayon;
Vocals: Kabaselle, Rossignol
B1: Orchestra Negro Band "Monoko Ya Baboti" (Rumba)
Composer: Helo; Guitar: Baguin; Vocals: Demon, Michaux, Nezy
B2: Orchestra Negro Band "Bailo Mobe" (Cha-Cha-Cha)
Composer: Demon


CHAUFFEZ AFRICAN JAZZ (Esengo SEE 6 1961)
a.k.a. Congo Highlife no. 2

Columbia ESDF 1402 (with Negro Band)

A1: Chauffez African jazz (cha cha cha)
A2: Besame moucho Jacquelina (rumba)
B1: Nunca hebisto (cha cha cha) by Negro Band
B2: Mboya oyo (rumba) by Negro Band

All four tracks included on African Retro vol 6


image by Vincent Michéa, courtesy of
Sebastian Brandl




courtesy: Yoshiki Fukasawa

101 ESENGO singles of Rock'a Mambo

courtesy: bolingo.org

Cat #

Title

Composer

On LP

On CD

1a Les Voyous (Merengue Lingala) Nino EMI 2 C064-15962; ESDF 1372; ESDF 1380 Soul Jazz Congo Revolution
1b Mi cancion (Cha cha Lingala) Nino EMI 2 C064-15962; ESDF 1372; ESDF 1380; Planet Ilunga 2014
2a Rosita (Bolero Lingala) Essous
2b Elixir del cha cha (Cha cha Lingala) Essous
3a Tika ngai seli (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
3b Rock A Mambo (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
4a Lily Germaine (Calypso Lingala) Tino Baroza Planet Ilunga 2014
4b Pesa ngai falanga na masanga (Rumba Lingala) Tino Baroza Planet Ilunga 2014
5a Jalousie (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino ESRF 1460; 2C064-15962
5b Amigo (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino
7a Serenade Sentimentale (Rumba Lingala) Essous 2C064-15962; Planet Ilunga 2014
7b Baila (Cha cha Espagnol) Essous ESDF 1460; 2C064-15962; Planet Ilunga 2014 Soul Jazz Congo Revolution
9a Ekwata (Cha cha Lingala) Rossignol
9b Limbisa ngai Lelo (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
10a Anna (Rumba Lingala) Nino
10b Chez Faignond (Rumba Lingala) Nino
11a Panchita (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino 2C064-15962; ESRF1460; Planet Ilunga 2014
11b Toca mi (Mambo Espagnol) Nino Planet Ilunga 2014 (See note above)
12a Siempre mi (Bolero Espagnol) Rossignol Planet Ilunga 2014
12b Rossignol Cantador (Cha cha Espagnol) Rossignol Planet Ilunga 2014
13a Oh cailloux (Rumba Lingala) Sathan
13b Baboma se pamba (Rumba Lingala) Sathan
16a El rico Cuban mambo (Mambo Espagnol) Nino & African Rock
16b Sentiment Marie Jose (Bolero Lingala) Nino & African Rock
22a Soy marinero (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
22b Marie Pembe (rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
26a Bolingo na ngai Gigi Essous; chant: Kabasele - Rossignol; guitariste: Nico
26b Bolingo Etumbu Essous; chant: Kabasele - Rossignol; guitariste: Nico re: Columbia ESN26
27a Nino y su orchestra tipica (Calypso Espagnol) Nino; chant: Kabasele - Rossignol; solo guitar: Nico
27b Annie mi chou (Mambo Espagnol) Nino; chant: Kabasele - Rossignol; guitariste: Nico
28a Makulu ngulu (Rumba Lingala) Roitelet
28b Marie Louise (Fox Lingala) Roitelet
29a Huit jours abandonnes (Rumba Lingala) Bowane
29b Nakoboya yo te (Rumba Lingala) Bowane
30a Camarade ya mboka monodele (Merengue Lingala) Essous
30b Marie Petro (Rumba Lingala) Essous
32a Nasepeli mingi (Cha cha Lingala) Lucie Yenga
32b Bilobela ya mokili (Rumba Lingala) Lucie Yenga
33a Ango (Rumba Lingala) Bowane
33b Agwaya (Rumba Lingala) Bowane
34a Nabanzi yo (Rumba Lingala) Papa Noel
34b Damoni Charlotte (Cha cha Espagnol) Papa Noel
38a Alpho kanisaka Roitelet (Calypso Lingala) Roitelet & son ensemble
38b Kota mu nzo (Cha cha Kikongo) Roitelet & son ensemble
39a Mokili complique (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
39b Rossignol via Ponte Negro (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
43a Palama baila (Rumba Lingala) Essous
43b Abra la puerta (Cha cha Espagnol) Essous
47a Ay Nino (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino
47b Ba tonneaux vides (Rumba Lingala) Nino
49a Ah na lali nzungu (Rumba Lingala) Essous
49b Babalou inspiration (Cha cha Espagnol) Essous Planet Ilunga 2014
50a Rolina (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino
50b Mawa ya baninga (Rumba Lingala) Nino
51a La technica (Cha cha Espagnol) Rossignol
51b Mbiwala tene (Rumba Kingwandi) Rossignol
52a Ndoto kitoko (Bolero Lingala) Essous
52b Salisa ngai (Rumba Lingala) Essous
53a Mambo Nino (Mambo Espagnol) Nino
53b Laro (Cha cha Lingala) Nino
54a Mista Nkuyu (Calypso Lingala) Tino Barozza & son ensemble
54b Marie Pilipili (Cha cha Lingala) Tino Barozza & son ensemble
55a Ozwui Olei (Cha cha Lingala) Liengo Honore
55b Cherie Bedel (Rumba Lingala) Liengo Honore
59a Lengele Pula (Rumba Lingala) Sathan & son ensemble
59b Yolo 5 - 1 = 4 (Rumba Lingala) Sathan & son ensemble
60a Panzi likolo (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
60b Baliaki bakenda (Rumba Espagnol) Rossignol
62a Memories of You (Slow) Nino
62b Allegria (Cha cha cha Espagnol) Nino
64a Talani pamba (Rumba Lingala) Lucie Yenga & son ensemble
64b Ndoto nde makanisi (Rumba Lingala) Lucie Yenga & son ensemble
65a Kan zenzenze (Cha cha Lingala) Rossignol
65b Nde okani ngai (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
66a Yo quiero Lina (Cha cha Espagnol) Ngoy Eugene
66b Bibi wangu (Rumba Lingala) Ngoy Eugene
67a La primera (Cha cha Espagnol) Essous
67b Ambiance in Leo (Cha cha Lingala) Essous
68a Joe (Rumba Lingala) Ofele Joe British Library cat C979/9
68b Naboyi bambanda (Rumba Lingala) Ofele Joe
71a Bakoule Bidama (Budja) Liengo Honore ESDF 1401 Congo Latino; Planet Ilunga 2014
71b Bolingo Alphonsine (Rumba Lingala) Liengo Honore 2C064-15978
72a Bailamos (Calypso Espagnol) Nino
72b Yebisa ye (Calypso Lingala) Nino
74a Mabe ya nani (Calypso Lingala) Pandy et son ensemble
74b La petite yolanda (Amelenko Lingala) Pandy et son ensemble
77a Na wagi to (Cha cha samba) Tino Barozza
77b Misitaki bonso (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
78a Calu wa Essous (Rumba Lingala) Essous
78b Mi paralitico (Calypso Lingala) Essous
79a Essous keti fwa (Rumba Kilari) Essous
79b Mwana ya mama (Rumba Lingala) Essous
80a Bakala nyonso libumu (Rumba Kikongo) Roitelet British Library cat C979/3
80b Bongo marche (Rumba Kikongo) Roitelet British Library cat C979/3
81a Lole Lalomuna (Mazurka Baboa) Tino Barozza
81b Etikali se poso (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
87a Okwei mabe (Rumba Lingala) Gogene
87b Bernadette wa Gogene (Cha cha Lingala) Gogene
88a Mokenge (Cha cha Lingala) Liengo Honore
88b Ngenge (Bidama Budja) Liengo Honore
89a Motema mobebi (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
89b A la mode de Leo (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
92a Comite Rock a Mambo (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino
92b Mwana Nzambi (Calypso Mbondjo) Nino
93a Nasali boni mama (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza, Dechaud, Roitelet & son ensemble
93b Par compte mademoiselle (Mazurka Lingala) Tino Barozza, Dechaud, Roitelet & son ensemble
94a Liwa ndeko te (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza, Dechaud, Roitelet & son ensemble
94b Baakoka te (Fox Lingala) Tino Barozza, Dechaud, Roitelet & son ensemble
97a Oye Jacquy Nino Columbia 45 ESN97 7XES 7939
97b Merengue Babalou singer: Rosignol Columbia 45 ESN97 7XES 7939 (UK)
also: Columbia SCRF629 (France)
99a Bella Christina (Rumba Lingala) Sathan & son ensemble
99b Dis Laurence (Rumba Lingala) Sathan & son ensemble
101a Bana Conga (Biguine Lingala) Ngoy Eugene & son ensemble
101b Mambo la Roffia (Mambo Lingala) Ngoy Eugene & son ensemble
103a Micky mi quiero (Rumba Espagnol) Nino [Malapet]; chant: Kabasele - Essous - Rossignol; solo guitar: T. Baroza EMI 2C062-15136; C062-15810; SOUND OF KINSHASA Original Music LP102
103b Sebene mama (Rumba Lingala) Nino [Malapet]; chant: Kabasele - Essous - Rossignol; solo guitar: T. Baroza
104a Tour de ville (Biguine Lingala) Essous
104b Basi bakeseni (Rumba Lingala) Essous British Library cat C979/9
107a Meta Maria (Rumba Lingala) Nino
108a Bolingo se bongo (Rumba Lingala) Nino; chant: Rossignol & Sathan
108b Meta Maria (Bolero Lingala) Nino; chant: Rossignol & Sathan
109a Mambo 1 (Mambo Lingala) Nino
109b Rumba de mi corazon (Rumba Espagnol) Nino
114a Astrid wa Tino (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
114b Bolamu ya mbanda (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
115a Dit Caro (Rumba Lingala) Roitelet & son ensemble
115b Alphonsine moke (Rumba Lingala) Roitelet & son ensemble
116a Miguelita (Rumba Lingala) Nino
116b Una hermosa nina (Rumba Espagnol) Nino
123a Nzungu ya loso (Rumba Lingala) Roitelet & son ensemble
123b Bazangi sani (Rumba Lingala) Roitelet & son ensemble
125a Etani tongo (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
125b Etoko mpe malamu (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
126a Maria Valente (Cha cha Lingala) De Wayon & son ensemble EMI 2 C064-15962; ESDF 1372; ESDF 1380
126b Rumba quiero (Rumba Lingala) De Wayon & son ensemble EMI 2 C064-15962; ESDF 1372; ESDF 1380
131a Mioto na likolo (Cha cha Lingala) Essous; chant Kabasele & Rossignol Planet Ilunga 2014
131b Tina ezali (Cha cha Lingala) Essous; chant Kabasele & Rossignol
132a Povre y povre (Cha cha Espagnol) Essous
132b Pelisa mwinda (Rumba Lingala) Essous
133a Nakota boloko (Cha cha Lingala) Dema Antoine
133b Zongela ngai (Rumba Lingala) Dema Antoine
135a Ambiance (Rumba Lingala) De Wayon
135b Mingele motema (Rumba Lingala) De Wayon & son ensemble
136a Benga Justine (Cha cha Lingala) De Wayon
136b Ay Nzambe ngai na Wayon (Bidama/Lingala) De Wayon
137a Oboyaki ngai (Rumba Lingala) De Wayon
137b Profitez quand il est temps (Rumba Lingala) De Wayon
138a Camaro benga baila (Cha cha Espagnol) Lemy
138b Francisca (Rumba Lingala) Lemy
139a Mabanzo na ngai (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
139b Annie wa Rossignol (Bolero Lingala) Rossignol
140a Lele etali bango (Rumba Lingala) Lucie Yenga
140b Mawata (Calypso Lingala) Lucie Yenga
141a Henriette wa bolingo (Rumba Espagnol) Lucie Yenga
141b Dodo wa ngai (Calypso Lingala) Lucie Yenga
152a Tanga mokanda oyo (Rumba Lingala) Essous
152b Baila en la noche (Cha cha Espagnol) Essous
165a Biere Polar (Cha cha Lingala) Essous
165b Avec la Polar la victoire (Rumba Lingala) Essous
167a Oye Jacquy (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino 2C062-15136; Planet Ilunga 2014
167b Ave Maria (Bidama Lingala) Nino
201a Lo qui a mi (Cubana Espagnol) Papa Noel
201b Trois filles trois garcons (Rumba Lingala) Papa Noel
202a Kumbamba (Rumba Lingala) Lucie Yenga
202b Neli obosani ngai (Cha cha Lingala) Lucie Yenga
215a Mi Cuban cha cha cha (Cha cha Espagnol) Popol Martinez
215b Makanisi ya bomwana (Rumba Lingala) Popol Martinez
217a Rythmo Rock'a Mambo (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino
217b Bana Diana Colline (Rumba Lingala) Nino
218a Mi Cuban cha cha cha (Cha cha Espagnol) Rossignol
218b La Diana (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
219a Rocka rocka rocka (Cha cha Espagnol) Papa Noel
219b Ekelamo ya Nzambe (Rumba Lingala) Papa Noel
224a Cha cha cha Block Bruno Columbia 45-ESN 224
224b Tozongi na Leo Bruno Columbia 45-ESN 224
228a Cubana (Cha cha Espagnol) Rossignol
228b Nasali nazui mayele (Rumba Lingala) Rossignol
229a Esto esta me cha cha (Cha cha cha Espagnol) Nino
229b Bidame ya Rocka' (Rumba Lingala) Nino
230a Cha cha cha rock (Cha cha Espagnol) Bruno
230b Tozongi na Leo (Rumba Lingala) Bruno
232a Felicidad (Bolero) Papa Noel
232b Whisky (Guaracha) Papa Noel
62.134B Marie Moyanzi (Rumba Lingala) Jacquy
b/w Jacquy cha cha cha (Cha cha Espagnol) Jacquy
62.136B Memories of you (Slow) Nino ESDF1443
b/w Allegria (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino ESDF1443 Soul Jazz Congo Revolution
62.138B Linga baboti ba ngai (Rumba Lingala) Tino Barozza
b/w Cambronetta (Cha cha Espagnol) Tino Barozza
62.140B Ali Baba mwana Lipopoville (Cha cha Lingala) Tino Barozza
b/w Marie Alphonsine (Cha cha Lingala) Tino Barozza
62.141B Monot et Titine (Rumba Lingala) Papa Noel
b/w Kozanga baboti pasi (Rumba Lingala) Papa Noel
62.142B Kele mamie (Cha cha Lingala) Rossignol
b/w Souvenir de Gabon (Cha cha Lingala) Rossignol
62.148B Rock-a mambo o mobembo (Cha cha Espagnol) Rossignol
b/w Es el amor (Cha cha Espagnol) Rossignol
62.149B Bail la bamba (Merengue Espagnol) Papa Noel
b/w Montagne compagneiro (Merengue Espagnol) Papa Noel
62.150B Solerico (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino
b/w Oiga mambo (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino
501a Yamare (Cha cha Espagnol) Nino ESDF 1380
501b Iyele (Guaracha Espagnol) Nino Malapet ESDF 1380; Planet Ilunga 2014
502a Boboyisi ngai mwasi (Merengue Lingala) Bruno
502b Naleli dimanche M. (Rumba Lingala) Bruno
538a Omoni te (Cha cha Lingala) Tino Barozza
538b Bambanda baleki (Merengue Lingala) Tino Barozza
R9a Bolingo Bosulu Stephanie Jerry Checain acc. orch. Surprise Rock-A-Mambo
R9b Opesi Ngai Soni Mama Jerry Checain acc. orch. Surprise Rock-A-Mambo

unknown catalog number Esengo singles (78RPM):

Mabe na yo moko (Lucie Eyenga) Orchestre Rock-A-Mambo
b/w Brigitte (Lucie Eyenga) Orchestre Rock-A-Mambo
Attributed to Lucie & African Rock on Planet Ilunga compilation
Si tu quierre mi Amor (Nino) Columbia 78, CM10049 b/w Paola Nzala (Edos Clarie) by l'orchestre African Jazz (Columbia CM10053, Essengo series)

Francisca wa bolingo - Lemy, Rossignol & Orchestre Rock-a-Mambo
b/w Cha cha cha (charmante) - Kabasele, Rossignol & Orchestre Rock-a-Mambo

Stray single on Fiesta label (45RPM):
Franck & l'Orchestre Rock a Festival: "Elie" b/w "Club le monde" Fiesta 51.091 1971

Two singles by Orch Tino Mambo (Presumably Tino Baroza and Rock'a Mambo)
Orch Tino Mambo: Libongo b/w Matakete et Albert (Matata 17, Kenya; from Kentanzavinyl.com)
Bana Baya ya Bakwanea b/w Badyano (from snapcrackleandpops.blogspot.com)

Updated: 3 January 2024
Thanks to Alan Brain, Cheeku, Vincent Kenis & Chris Albertyn