My Favourite album of 2009 didn't make the "Best of" lists here
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Artist:
It was "Tres Tres Fort", the debut album by Staff Benda Bilili, three wheelchair-bound homeless polio 
victims who sleep behind the zoo in Kinshasa, accompanied by some other teenage lads, one of whom has devised his own unique one-stringed guitar built from a tin can and a piece of wire, from which he conjures astonishing solos. They have thus far received very little attention here, but Baaba Maal chose this as his favourite album of last year as well.
Musically, they are in something of a rocksteady style, occasionally reminiscent of the Gaylads or Jackie Opel, although they are part of the same Congotronics stable as the Kasai Allstars. the whole package is not exactly designed for Western ears, but is wholly captivating. The first track here is "Sala Keba", played in the classic 6:8 tempo of all the greatest emotional songs.
Next up is a song about the disease that has crippled them - "Poliomyelite", with an intro that sounds to me like "Hard To Confess" by the Gaylads, although it soon veers off into very much African territory. Let's see what you make of these
Locating MOG account...
Comments (8)
Wow..quite a change of pace from Kasai and Congotronics. There's almost a country feel to the second tune..It might be the easiest leap of the 3 to Western ears..Liked it a bunch.
You and Mr. Maal aren't the only ones who bested this record..the internets show it a lot of love. I got it already and I'm liking..thanks.
I am in complete agreement with you. You have performed a valuable public service by giving these guys some dap....
Very cool - We at the Monastery are partial to a nice waltz so the 1st number is sweet.
like em both - very nice!
To my ears it is much more straight forward and direct than Kasai and Konnono..very pleasing!
Enchanting. I also like their portait photo.
I am not a musician, but I am so impressed with this group. Particularly in Sala Keba I hear the influence of many different parts of the world--or am I imagining it! Beautiful--and as with those at the Monastery, we love a good waltz.
Fascinating, I like this.