CRIMES OF RUMBA

The book starts with a little history of Congo under Belgium during the colonial days. This gives the reader an insight into how things were in Belgian Congo, and how ‘La Territoriale’ was made to get rid of King Leopold’s cruelty and brutality in the CFS regime. The first chapter gives a lot of information about Belgian Congo and all that happened. I had the impression that I was attending a history class, as the author wrote about events I had never heard of. It was agonizing to read about King Leopold, as his inhuman acts against the Congo people led to a lot of loss.

Politics in Congo, the formation of political parties, King Leopold’s atrocities and the influence of Rumba are all covered in the book. Reading about natives who were killed as directed by King Leopold in the harvest of red rubber in the era of CFS regime was one of the moments I almost broke down. Natives’ hands were chopped and others left with permanent wounds and under the CFS regime. Just how cruel could one man be? The worst thing was that even as he committed all these crimes, King Leopold received backing from his country, and even had support from his followers.

The author covered a number of themes in the book. Politics, music, law, human rights violation, business, and trade were all covered. This book highlights the use and impact of Congo music in Africa and other continents like America and Europe. Thierry Antha extensively wrote about the brand associated with Congo Rumba and Rumba Lingala, Congo music that is known by just a few, how the Flemish administrators took Rumba, the industrialization of Congo music during the colonial days and much more.

“Crimes Of Rumba: Volume 1 Congo Music” is not only informing but also beautifully written. The chapters are arranged in an excellent manner, that the reader does not feel lost when reading about new information. The author is also talented as his diction is amazing and the phrases used are easy to understand. This book is written for anyone who would want to know more about the leadership of King Leopold in Belgian Congo, and how Congo people were innocently punished by the cold-blooded leader.

Rumba music is beautiful to the Soul. When played in clubs, the radio, and other public media, one can feel how passionately the artistes feel the music they create. As you enjoy Rumba music, do you know a little history about pioneer Rumba artistes and how the genre was born?  Do you know the challenges they faced and how the music they made affected them and the people around? If not, then you need to read this book. It has all the good, bad, fantastic and ugly stories about Belgian Congo, the natives, Rumba musicians and the exploitation of Congo music. I would gift this book not only to history and Rumba lovers, but anyone who enjoys reading a good book.