Na Tango Ya Covadia 1964–1970 — Volume 2
The remarkable story of the first Congolese student orchestras in Belgium continues in volume 2!

Na Tango Ya Covadia 1964–1970 — Volume 2

Les Belgicains

€ 25,95
  • LP
Label
Covadia
Expected release
17 April 2026
PRE-ORDER ITEM: This item will only be shipped to you on or after 17 April 2026. Please note any orders containing pre-order items won't be shipped until all items are available, so please order this separately to avoid delays. Release dates are at the mercy of labels, distributor, and pressing plants and will change constantly.

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Description

Following the sold-out first volume, the Belgian label Covadia releases a second chapter of Les Belgicains. The compilation highlights the European rumba of Congolese students in Belgium in the 1960s.

Volume 2 contains 11 rare tracks — originally released only on 45 rpm records for the Congolese market or never before released.

THE STORY OF ‘LES BELGICAINS’
Shortly after independence there are various reasons why Belgium invites Congolese to study at its universities. Belgium confirms its good relation with the early independent Congo and gives the opportunity to create the new national elite that will reign the country for decades to come.

“What’s in your blood never fades” is a saying that resonates perfectly with the relationship between Congolese and musical expression. Driven by homesickness these students pick up their instruments and create a new fresh style of Rumba. Nikiforos Cavvadias, who had recently arrived in Belgium from Congo with his family, sees the opportunity to continue his career as a music producer and invites these orchestras into the studio.

Europe inspirers the young musicians and they carry a new wind through Congolese popular music. Some of the students have good contacts with the popular artists from their homeland, like Franco, Kabasele and Dr. Nico, that is why their influence on the Rumba surfaces in no time.

We hope our work offers a piece of the puzzle that today’s ‘Belgicains’ can use to shape their identity.

Motema ebetaka na rumba – The heart beats on the rhythm of Rumba

Tracklist

  • 1.Los Nickelos - Emilie Cha Cha03:04
  • 2.Carlos Lembe - Koko02:26
  • 3.Yeye National - Eldorado03:18
  • 4.Los Nickelos - Endende03:33
  • 5.Ebuka Ebuka - Poso Na Yo Egilite03:35
  • 6.Afro Negro - Si Me Quierre03:09
  • 7.Ba Bolingo - Mi Mambito 02:43
  • 8.Ebuka Ebuka - Merengue Soucouss03:57
  • 9.Afro Negro - Princessia Nono03:22
  • 10.Los Nickelos - Guaracha Fredo 03:48
  • 11.Ebuka Ebuka - Mpenza Niambiye04:26

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