Members of band known as Festival de Maquisards, Kinshasa, Congo (Democratic Republic)

Object Details

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Congo (Democratic Republic) / EENG / 1970

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Type: Archival materials; Negatives (photographic); Black-and-white negatives; Negatives

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: Since the late 1950's, Congolese music has had a profound impact on most African countries south of the Sahara and enjoyed a following that stands uncontested by any other African style of popular music. Long-standing bandleaders like the late Franco Luambo Makiadi and his T.P. O.K. Jazz and Tabu Ley (Seigneur Rochereau) with his band Afrisa International (formerly African Fiesta National) have established themselves as truly Pan-African superstars. The only name to be added to this exclusive list is that of singer Sam Mangwana. Not only has he been a member of O.K. Jazz as well as African Fiesta / Afrisa, but he has also been cited by both Franco and Tabu Ley as their favourite vocalist. And unlike any other contemporary African artist, Sam Mangwana has travelled the width and breadth of the continent and taken musical influences into his repertoire from all parts of Africa. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Westinghouse Film and traveled to Africa from October 26, 1970 to end of March 1971.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.