About Soukous
Soukous is a music genre that emerged in Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of African dance, Congolese rumba and music of Central Africa.
Among the best-known names in the style are Manu Dibango and Papa Wemba.
Soukous has given rise to 2 subgenres on this site, such as Kwassa kwassa and Muziki wa dansi.
From Wikipedia
Soukous (from French secousse, "shock, jolt, jerk") is a genre of dance music originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) and the Republic of the Congo (formerly French Congo and the People's Republic of the Congo). It derived from Congolese rumba in the 1960s, with faster dance rhythms and bright, intricate guitar improvisation, and gained popularity in the 1980s in France. Although often used by journalists as a synonym for Congolese rumba, both the music and dance associated with soukous differ from more traditional rumba, especially in its higher tempo, song structures and longer dance sequences.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Soukous.
- ↑ African dance
- ↑ Congolese rumba
- ↑ music of Central Africa
- ↓ Kwassa kwassa
- ↓ Muziki wa dansi
Key artists
- Manu Dibango
- Papa Wemba
Frequently asked questions
What is Soukous?
Soukous is a music genre that emerged in Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of African dance, Congolese rumba and music of Central Africa.
Where and when did Soukous originate?
Soukous originated in Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1960s.
Who are famous Soukous artists?
Manu Dibango and Papa Wemba.