E05: Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat pt.3 – DRC Today

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In this episode we conclude our look at the Democratic Republic of Congo with an exploration of the music and politics of the country from 1960 to the present day. Beginning with the overthrow of Patrice Lumumba, Jeremy and Tim discuss the colonial and imperialist dynamics that have buffeted the country for the last half century, the cycles of violence this engenders and the role of nations like the US, China and Rwanda have played in destabilising the country. They also unpack the ‘resource curse’ of the DRC’s mineral stocks, the activities of companies like Apple and Tesla, and finish with a reflection from the great Franz Fanon.

On the music side of things, we hear a potted history of the conga drum, some drum and bass, electric thumb pianos, handmade amplifiers and an African cousin to footwork.

Tracklist:
Zaiko Langa Langa - Femme Ne Pleure Pas
Papa Wemba - La Vie Comme Elle Va Bola
Grooverider - Rivers of Congo
Konono No.1 - Lufuala Ndonga 
Khalab - Chitita
Kokoko! - Malembe
Jupiter & Okwess - Na Kozonga
Fulu Kolektiv - Lualaba
Fulu Kolektiv - Nfuka