Track Listing

1. Mama Kiyelele
2. Prima Donna (Petit Nzele)
3. Tata Masamba
4. Minha Querida
5. Nono Femineh
6. Africa, Havana, Paris
7. Milonga de Ricardo en Cha-Cha-Chá
8. Yiri Yiri Bon

Product Details

• Released on: 1997-11-25

Album Description
Ricardo Lemvo's Southern California synthesis of salsa and soukous is forging new links in the age-old chain of the Afro-Cuban music tradition. On Tata Masamba, he joins together the most popular pan-African styles with the Cuban foundation of the Latin Caribbean sound. Lemvo takes these classic styles and lovingly roughs 'em up around the edges and jumps the energy level up a notch to create a fresh hybrid that connects live and direct with the audience. Features special guests Sam Mangwana, Huit Kilos Nseka, Syran M'Benza, Bopol Mansiamina, Andy Abad, Jose 'Papo' Rodriguez, Komba Bellow and many others.

Chuy Varela, San Francisco Bay Guardian, June 4, 1997
TATA MASAMBA is a powerful mix of soukous and salsa. Give it a listen.

Jacob Edgar, The Beat, Vol. 15# 4, 1996
A ground-breaking album...one killer cut after another.

Customer Reviews

A must-have for lovers of Congolese or Cuban music!
This CD presents a magnificent, seamless blend of dance-able Cuban and Congolese sounds (leaning a little more towards the Cuban on most tracks). From the stellar guitar work of Cameroonian guitarist Louis Wasson to the lively flute work of Nino Jesus Alejandro, this album never ceases to please and amaze. Blazing congas, powerful horns, fantastic guitars, and soulful vocals make this music come alive and will get your feet moving!

thsi music is full of fire and passion. that cant be matched
the music that is presented in this amazing cd is filled with a full spectrum of various cultures. Ranging from hot latin beats to african high-life. This multi-cultural cd will most definately appeal to many walks of life. The name of the cd is Tata Masamba. Alone that song will surely go platinum. Ricardo is a multi lingual artist and excells at grasping the attention of the different societies of languages in which he blows his tune. I personally have been honored to have seen this group perform on many occaions. Not only do they sound great but they also put on an amazing and exciting show.

Don't waste your time, this is a must !!!!!!!
For anybody who loves Salsa or African music. This guy is unbelievable, an African that can sing Salsa better than any South American ! it's impossible ! You better believe it !
This Salsa is also fused with African influences, as many of the songs end in La Rumba Congolaise style, with beautiful guitar playing and melodies.Also his band Makina Loca (Crazy Machine) has a very talented versatile Cuban arranger in Nino Jesus.
Believe me this guy is not real, he is completely unique ! I am still waiting for his next CD !