Les Petits ChanteursDanseurs De Kenge - Missa Kwango

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Review by Arletha Myers

Missa Kwango by Les Petits Chanteurs-Danseurs De Kenge: A Hidden Gem of 1966 If you’re a fan of African music with deep spiritual roots, Missa Kwango is an album that deserves your attention. Released in 1966 and spanning the genres of Folk, World, and Country, this record dives into African traditions while weaving in religious themes. It’s not just music—it’s storytelling, prayer, and celebration all rolled into one. The mastermind behind this project? Bernard van den Boom. He wore multiple hats as the conductor, arranger, and chorus master, bringing together the young talents of Les Petits Chanteurs-Danseurs De Kenge. Their voices are raw yet polished, filled with emotion that feels both intimate and universal. The album was released across several countries—UK, Netherlands, France, US—under labels like Philips and London International, which speaks volumes about its cross-cultural appeal. Now, let me zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me: "Nzambi" and "Missa Kwango: E Mfumu (Kyrie)." "Nzambi" kicks things off with a hypnotic rhythm that feels ancient yet alive. It’s hard not to get lost in the repetition of the title word, layered over choral harmonies. There's something meditative about it; it pulls you into a trance-like state where time seems to blur. The percussion here is subtle but effective, grounding the ethereal vocals. I remembered this track long after listening because it doesn’t just ask for your attention—it demands it. Then there’s "Missa Kwango: E Mfumu (Kyrie)," which hits differently. This piece blends traditional Catholic Mass elements with African musicality. The call-and-response structure between the choir and soloists gives it a communal vibe, almost like you're part of the ceremony yourself. What really got me was how dynamic it felt—moments of quiet reverence explode into powerful crescendos, leaving you breathless. You can hear the dedication and discipline of these young performers pouring out in every note. One thing worth noting is how well Bernard van den Boom balanced authenticity with innovation. He didn’t try to “Westernize” the sound or smooth out its edges. Instead, he embraced the unique textures of Congolese folk music and paired them with liturgical texts. The result? An album that feels deeply rooted in its cultural context but still resonates globally. Reflecting on Missa Kwango, I couldn’t help but think about how rare it must have been back then to hear such unfiltered African voices amplified on international platforms. Sure, the production might feel a bit dated now, but that’s part of its charm. It’s real. It’s human. And honestly? Listening to it made me wish I could go back in time and witness those recording sessions firsthand. Final thought: If albums were bridges connecting cultures, Missa Kwango would be one of the strongest ever built. Just don’t expect perfection—this is soulful, imperfect beauty at its finest.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: les-petits-chanteursdanseurs-de-kenge-missa-kwango.zip
  • MP3 size: 60.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 902.5 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Kengie Nzambie
Missa Kwango
Kwediama Kwedi Nioka
Nzambi, Nzambi
Marguerite
Nza Iwisa Banzio
O Madiele
Oh Lukaya
Betu Tukutakana
Ntoto Kenge Leleh
Missa Kwango: E Mfumu (Kyrie) - Nkembo (Gloria) - Ikwikila (Credo) - E Santu (Sanctus) - Kimeme (Agnus Dei)
Nzambi, Mzambi
Ngiele Ku Mfinda
Moleya, Moleya
Oh Ngiele
Kengele Ka Lumumbwa
Olenda Dieh
Oh Tata Dikele Dikele
Oleh Oleh Mama

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Catalog Numbers

  • BL 7755
  • 840 254 BY
  • GHS 56008
  • P 633.319 L
  • BL.7755, BL 7755

Labels

  • Philips
  • London International

Listen online

  • lyssna på nätet
  • online anhören
  • online luisteren
  • lytte på nettet
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • ascolta in linea
  • écouter en ligne
  • ouvir online
  • escuchar en línea

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Mono
  • Stereo

Companies

RoleCompany
Recorded AtStudio Star, Kinshasa
Manufactured ByLondon Records, Inc.
Printed ByJ.Colombet, Paris XV

Credits

RoleCredit
ConductorBernard van den Boom S.V.D.
ChoirLes Petits Chanteurs-Danseurs De Kenge
Music DirectorBernard van den Boom
Chorus MasterBernard van den Boom
Arranged ByBernard van den Boom

Notes

  • 1966 pressing has laminated front cover; the reverse a matte, non flip-back.
  • Export No. 633 319 BL
  • Laminated front sleeve.
  • Dark blue labels with silver print.
  • Congolese music, deriving from school-songs and folk-tales.
  • Made in Holland.
  • Congolese music
  • Label variant release

Barcodes

  • Rights Society: Copyright Control
  • Other: D.R.
  • Price Code: D
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout stamped A side): AA 840 254 1Y 1 670 1
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout stamped B side): AA 840 254 2Y 1 670 1

About Les Petits ChanteursDanseurs De Kenge

Name Vars

  • Les Petit Chanteurs Et Danseurs De Kenge
  • Petits Chanteurs-Danseurs De Kenge

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Missa Kwango* by Les Petits Chanteurs-Danseurs De Kenge is a unique blend of African folk music and religious chants. Released in 1966, it was recorded with a choir of young singers and dancers from the Congo. What makes it stand out is how it combines traditional African rhythms with Christian liturgical music, creating a sound that feels both sacred and deeply rooted in culture. Bernard van den Boom, who wore multiple hats as the conductor, arranger, and chorus master, played a huge role in shaping this masterpiece. Tracks like "Nzambi" and "Missa Kwango" highlight the raw spiritual energy of the performances. It’s wild to think this album found audiences not just in Africa but also in the UK, Netherlands, France, and the US, spreading its powerful message across continents.