On the Rumba River
Description
Traveling up and down the majestic Congo river on a rickety boat, the young orphan, Antoine ‘Wendo’ Kolosoy, composed his first songs on a beat up old guitar. As his talent was revealed and his reputation grew, the government banned his music, fearful that the joyful rhythms would stir unrest. Wendo’s first album, released in 1948, made him the superstar of Congolese Rumba. As Congo suffered under the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, he was reduced to beggarhood. In the late 1990s, older and wiser, Wendo made his comeback. Featuring stunning images and unforgettable music and interviews, this enjoyable film joins Wendo as he journeys across Congo, playing his joyful music, and searching for old bandmates. On the Rumba River is “an eye-opening view into the spirit of the Congolese people, and a beautiful and warm-hearted portrait of a singer who seems at times the beating heart of a country.” (Chris Barsanti, Film Journal International)
Runtime
1 hr 12 min 36 sec
Subjects
Database
Films on Demand
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