Congolese Rumba (or Rhumba) is first and foremost the guitar, which is usually played fingerstyle. Originating in the Congo basin during the 40s, Congolese Rumba has become a staple music style around the entire African continent. It has been able to consistently maintain its relevance through decades thanks to several artists' original compositions.
Today there is a new style of Congolese Rumba that is being experimented by numerous artists. We feel compelled to call this novel style “Rhumtrap” as it successfully merges rumba with trap music.
Trap is a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in the Southern United States in the late 90s. Trap music uses synthesized drums and the pioneers of this style of hip hop include Lil Jon, Mannie Fresh and Outkast.
While on a quest for modern sounds, African artists have been able to release Rhumtrap tracks that have been enjoyed by fans. The first artist to do so is Fally Ipupa with his 2012 Single “Sweet Life”. In 2015, Laurette La Perle served up her own Rhumtrap song entitled "Twist". In 2018, Fally did it again with “Nidja” feat R. Kelly. In 2020, Cameroonian singer Blanche Bailly dropped her Rhumtrap song “Mes respects” in March. And just days ago, Kenyan group Sauti Sol offered their own Rhumtrap record entitled “Rhumba Japani” with Kaskazini, Bensoul, Xenia, Nviiri the Storyteller, Okello Max and Nairobi Horn Project.
Though this distinct style has not gained major popularity yet, we foresee a new chapter in African music with the new generation of hybrid genres like this one.
You may stream below the Rhumtrap tracks mentioned above and enrich your playlist for a new week.
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