Rumbanella Band formed in 1986 under the leadership of Madou Lebon Mulowayi, a guitarist and singer who got his start as the accompanist for the late Jean Bosco Mwenda, one of the founding fathers of Congolese music. Madou was raised on music recorded for Kinshasa's first record label, Ngoma, music by singers like Losta Bello, Bukasa Leon, and Wendo Kolosoy.
After a decade working with Jean Bosco Mwenda, Madou wanted to create his own band dedicated to keeping the classic rumba sound alive. Three other members of Rumbanella Band participated in this recording project: vocalist Lola Bivuatu, bassman Bolita Mzela Zimbika, and guitarist Kankonde Joseph, a.k.a. Serpent.
Serpent actually won his nickname for his football moves as a boy in the 1950s. But when he picked up a guitar and began playing alongside Congolese guitar legend Docteur Nico, the epithet applied just as well to his nimble finger work. Like Nico and many other Congo music pioneers, both Madou and Serpent grew up and learned their musical skills in the mineral-rich Kasai region, in the southeast of this vast Central African country. They came to the capital, Kinshasa, when it was in its prime, the cosmopolitan cultural hub of the entire region. By then, they were well primed to soak up the fantastic new music that was bursting from every bar and record stall in the city. Soon, they were integral parts of the scene.

After parting ways with Nico over money"a familiar story!" Serpent played in a serie of important bands before teaming up with Madou to create Rumbanella Band. Rumbanella's recreation of classic hits, especially by the legendary African Jazz and African Fiesta, make up the core repertoire on this CD. There's also a version of Jean Bosco Mwenda's signature composition, Masanga Djiya, and an original composition by Serpent, Na Luki Motungisi.
Wendo Kolosoy and his pioneering band, Victoria Bakolo Miziki, were also on hand, recording their sensational comeback album, Amba (Marabi 46801-2).

Wendo Kolosoy's backing singers Willy and Mass fill out the Rumbanella vocal section. This collection also includes a Wendo composition, Botiakitembe, performed by Victoria Bakolo Miziki, and a fresh version of Wendo's classic 1948 song, Marie Louise, which he sings here backed by the Rumbanella Band.
Last but not least, comes the king of the likembe (thumb piano), Antoine Moundanda of Brazzaville. Moundanda contributes a solo composition, and a spontaneous improvisation with his old friend and colleague, Wendo, the perfect finishing touch for this rumba pioneers summit.