Extra Musica

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Extra Musica
OriginBrazzaville, Republic of the Congo
GenresCongolese rumba
Years active1993–present
LabelsDeclic Communication · Denide · SonoDisc · JPS · Sonima · Letiok · Ibroks

Extra Musica is a Congolese rumba band formed in Ouenzé, Brazzaville,[1] in August 1993. The band was established by Roga-Roga, Espé Bass, Kila Mbongo, Durell Loemba, Guy-Guy Fall, Ramatoulaye Ngolali, and Quentin Moyascko, who met at the Sainte Thérèse church in Ouenze, and were also neighbors or classmates. Previously, several members had been part of the group Cogiex Stars, but left after being sanctioned for attempting to introduce new ideas.

In 1995, they were spotted by Denide Production, who released their debut album, "Les Nouveaux Missiles," in 1995. The album was a commercial success, selling over 50,000 copies by April 1996,[2] and featured the band first hit track, "Freddy Nelson."[3] Their second album, Confirmation, released in December 1996, continued their success. However, internal conflicts led to a split in 1998, with Quentin Moyascko and several members forming Extra Musica International,[3] while Roga-Roga and others continued as Extra Musica Zangul. Despite the split, Extra Musica Zangul released Etat-Major in December 1998, which became their most successful album, solidifying their international fame. Subsequent albums included Shalaï (1999), Trop c'est trop (2001), and Obligatoire (2004). In 2006 and 2011 respectively, they released the double albums "La Main Noire" and "Sorcellerie (Kindoki)," the latter including a collaboration with rapper Passi. Their album "Contentieux" was released in 2014, followed in 2015 by the EP "Oyo Ekoya Eya." On March 16, 2018, they released their 11th album, "242." In August 2021, the EP "Bokoko" was released, including the eponymous hit which achieved global success. Their latest release, the EP "Nzoungou", came out on August 20, 2023, featuring six tracks, including "Toli" and "Fatou Sako."

Extra Musica has embarked on numerous international tours, performing in Africa, Europe, and America. Their concerts have attracted large audiences, often selling out prestigious venues such as the Zénith de Paris,[4] Bataclan,[5] Palais des Sports, Stade Mamadou Konaté, Stade Général-Seyni-Kountché, and Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat.[6]

Throughout their career, Extra Musica has received numerous accolades, highlighting their impact on the African music scene. They won the "African Revelation of the Year" award at the Ngwomo Africa Awards in Kinshasa in 1996 and the "Best African Group" award at the Africar Music Awards in Libreville in 1997.[3] The band continued to garner recognition, winning best African and best Afro-Caribbean group at the Africar Music Awards in 1998. They won the "Best African Group" in the 2000 KORA Awards.[7][8] They were nominated for the KORA Awards in 2001 and 2009, and won the Kunde Award for "Best Group from Central Africa" in 2003.[9] In October 2011, they were honored as the "Best African Group of the Decade 2001-2011" at the Kunde Awards.

History[edit]

1993–1995: Formation and debut album[edit]

Extra Musica was established on August 27, 1993 by seven members, namely Roga-Roga, Espé Bass, Kila Mbongo, Durell Loemba, Guy-Guy Fall, Ramatoulaye Ngolali and Quentin Moyascko. Most of the founders met at the Sainte Thérèse church in Ouenze, while others were neighbors or classmates. Years before the creation of Extra Musica, Roga-Roga, Espé Bass, Kila Mbongo, Durell Loemba and Quentin Moyascko were members of another group called Cogiex Stars. In their free time, they often perform during mourning and other neighborhood festivities, accompanied by the band's first singers, Guy-Guy Fall and Régis Touba, animateur Kila Mbongo, as well as drummer Ramatoulaye. However Roga, Espé and Kila were sanctioned by the Cogiex Stars administration for attempting to introduce a new "ideology" into the group, which led them to leave the group.[10]

The name Extra Musica, chosen by Roga, was inspired by the positive feedback they received from their seniors after their performances. “Extra” means extraordinary.

They will achieved success on both Congos, where they will perform in events such as the Foire de Pointe-Noire but also in television programs including Variétés Samedi Soir, broadcasted on Télé Zaire.

In 1995, they were spotted by the Denide Production label. He released their first album recorded in Brazzaville, "Les Nouveaux Missiles," on December 15, 1995. The song "Freddy Nelson," composed by Quentin Moyascko, was a great hit.[3] The latter was nicknamed "Freddy Nelson" by the band’s admirers. The album's songs also included "Na Ko Bala Yo Na Ko" by Oxy Oxygène, "Chagrin Plus Plus" by Pinochet Thierry, "Détresse" et "Dieu L'éternel" by Roga-Roga, "Amie Reviens" by Durell Loemba.

Between 1994 and 1996, Extra Musica recruited several new members: the singers Abilissi, Doudou Copa, Malice Maria, Fédé Kanofa and Herman Ngassaki, the rhythm guitarist and bassist Sonor Digital (present at the beginning of the orchestra), the percussionists Émery Mbonda and Pozzi Gildas (the latter of Cogiex Stars) and keyboardist Christian Iyiangoua Kingstall.

1996–1998: First success and split[edit]

Their first album Les Nouveaux Missiles sold more than 50,000 copies (April 1996). Extra Musica receives the “African Revelation of the Year” prize at the Ngwomo Africa Awards in Kinshasa.

In 1996, Extra Musica recorded its second studio album, Confirmation, at Studio IAD in Brazzaville. It was to contain nine songs, including the song Danny Danny by Guy-Guy Fall, (This song was later removed from the list), but also Succès Extra by Roga, the flagship track which opens the album. After mixing the songs in Brussels, the album was released and the group began its first African tour, with concerts in halls and stadiums.

In late 1996, during a tour in Mali, Guy-Guy Fall was expelled from the group.[1] On February 8, 1997, Extra Musica received the prize for "best African group" at the Africar Music Awards in Libreville. Others nominated included Wenge Musica.[3] On February 20 of the same year, Extra Musica performed at the Palais des Congrès in Abidjan, a 2,000-person venue filled by 4,500 people that day.[3]

Their third album, Ouragan, released on December 15, 1997,[2] was recorded in Paris, at the Ferber studio. They recorded their next three albums there. The album included Losambo, one of the group's biggest hits. The tracks "Hommage" is dedicated to the victims of the civil war in Congo Brazzaville including Malice Maria and Fédé Kanofa. This is one of the first songs in the group's repertoire.

Extra Musica experienced its first split in 1998, due to administrative conflicts within the group. The group was divided into two parts, with Quentin Moyascko, Durell Loemba, Régis Touba and Pinochet Thierry on one side, and Roga-Roga, Espé Bass, Kila Mbongo and the other members on the other.

Despite attempts at appeasement, tensions between the two parties persisted. The band even struggled to play consistently at concerts. In May 1998, Quentin and his group left to form Extra Musica International.[3]

1998–2001: État-Major, Shalaï, Trop C'est Trop[edit]

Despite this setback, Extra Musica, now Extra Musica Zangul, continues to move forward. Their fourth album, Etat-Major, was released in December 1998. The theme song, Etat-Major, became the group's biggest success, propelling them to increased international fame. The clip for this credits, published on YouTube 19 years after its release, had more than 26 million views before being deleted.

Etat-Major showcased Extra Musica's signature sound, characterized by multi-thematic lyrics, catchy melodies, and distortion pedal guitar riffs. The success of the album cemented their position as one of the most popular Congolese bands of all time.

Extra Musica begins an extensive tour, performing in countries such as Botswana, Togo, Mali, but also in Europe, notably in the United Kingdom. They recruit the host Arafat 2500 Volts, from Extra Musica International.

In the summer of 1999, they embarked on their first American tour. They headline at prestigious venues such as the Irving Plaza.

In the fall of 1999, the orchestra recorded its fifth album, entitled "Shalaï." It was released on December 25, 1999, marking the last album with Kila Mbongo as a member.

Shalaï achieved great success, and allowed Extra Musica to receive the prestigious KORA for “Best African Group” on November 18, 2000 in Sun City.[7][8] They were named alongside other prominent Congolese groups like Werrason and Wenge Musica Maison Mère.

On February 28, 2001, Extra Musica performed to a sold-out audience at the legendary Paris Zenith, with guests Papa Wemba, Fernand Mabala, Jacob Desvarieux and Werrason. After this concert, the animateur Kila Mbongo withdrew from the group, due to the birth of his daughter and disagreements with certain colleagues.

After a Euro-African tour, Extra Musica's sixth album, "Trop c'est trop," was released in October 2001. The record was a great success and became a classic. The following month, they were nominated for the KORA Awards.

2004–2010: Obligatoire, La Main Noire and band restructure[edit]

At the 2003 Kunde Awards, Extra Musica was voted “best group from Central Africa”.[9] In early 2004, Extra Musica's seventh album, "Obligatoire," was released.

In November 2004, singer Doudou Copa left the band.[11] On December 16 of the same year, Oxy Oxygène, Papy Bastin, Kerson Saddam and the animator Typhoide Tarzan also left the group to form Universal Zangul.[12] This results in a restructuring within Extra Musica and adjustments in the group's composition. The group is enriched with new recruits such as Kassoul Chalkidri and Dido Senga.

Despite these changes, the band embarked on a two-month tour of southern Africa from December 20, 2004. They performed in countries including Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.[13] During the summer of 2005, Extra Musica performed at the Pan-African Music Festival (FESPAM). August 2005 also marks Extra Musica's 12th anniversary. Singer Regis Touba returns to the group.

On December 19, 2006, Extra Musica released a double album entitled "La Main Noire," composed of 12 songs.[14] On December 24 and 25, 2006, the group performed at the Stade de Yopougon in Ivory Coast.

In 2009, Extra Musica was nominated for the KORA Awards in the “best African group” category. The following year was marked by another KORA Awards nomination in the same category. Herman Ngassaki, Régis Touba and Arafat 23500 Volts leave the group.

The band, now often named Roga Roga and Extra Musica, welcomes new members, including Zaparo de Guerre, Youyou Mobangue and United States Charabia.

2010–2017: Sorcellerie (Kindoki), Contentieux, Oyo Ekoya Eya[edit]

In 2010, they performed a historic concert at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan with DJ Arafat as guest. The same year, they released the double album Sorcellerie (Kindoki), with a collaboration involving rapper Passi. They won a Kunde Award in October 2011. They were voted “Best African Group of the Decade 2001-2011”.[15]

In October 2012, the group performed in front of 80,000 people at the Stade des Martyrs on the occasion of the Nuit de la Francophonie.[16] To celebrate 20 years of Extra Musica, all former members, including Quentin Moyascko, Guy-Guy Fall and others, are coming together as part of the Extra Musica Unity project. Many concerts are planned throughout Congo. In 2013, conflicts emerged during the Extra Musica Unity meeting, culminating in a disrupted concert at the Le Ruisseau hotel in Pointe-Noire.[17]

In August 2014, the album "Contentieux" was released, with titles like "Zéro," "Congolais Tika" and the eponymous theme song. The video clip now has more than 13 million views on YouTube (as of January 11, 2024).[18] The year 2015 begins with the departure of Youyou Mobangue. In the same year, the EP "Oyo Ekoya Eya" was released, containing the eponymous theme song and "Lettre Au Président" (featuring Chairman Jacques Koyo). In November 2017, the group performed at the Bock Festival in Abidjan.

2018–2019: 242 and second split[edit]

On March 16, 2018, Extra Musica's 11th album, 242, was released.[19] A tour for the group's 25th anniversary has been announced, with dates in Africa and a concert at the Palais des Congrès in Paris-Montreuil on May 26.[20]

In 2019, Roga Roga received the Best African Artist award at the Kunde Awards.[21] December of the same year marked a major split, with several members (including Sonor Digital and Ramatoulaye Ngolali) creating the group Extra Musica Nouvel Horizon.[22]

2020–present: Standalone releases, Bokoko and Stade Alphonse Massamba Débat[edit]

On August 15, 2021, the EP Bokoko was released, containing the eponymous song. It is a success all over the world. The music video for the song now has more than 40 million views.[23]

On June 24, 2023, Roga Roga and Extra Musica perform to a sold-out crowd at the Alphonse Massamba Debat stadium in front of 33,000 people (not including the synthetic turf area).[6] The concert was announced a month earlier.

The Nzoungou EP was released on August 20, 2023, with 6 songs including Toli, Fatou Sako, Jalousie and the eponymous Nzoungou.

Awards and nominations[edit]

  • Revelation of the Year in Africa at the Ngwomo Africa Awards (Kinshasa) (1996)
  • Palme D'Or for Best African Group at the Africar Music Awards (1997)
  • Best Group at the Tropic Music Awards (1999)
  • Nominated for "Best African Group" at the Kora Awards (1999)
  • Palme D'Or for Best African Group and Best Afro-Caribbean Group at the Africar Music Awards (1999)
  • Best African Group at the Kora Awards (2000)
  • Nominated for "Best African Group" at the Kora Awards (2001)
  • Best African Group at the Kundé Awards (2003)
  • Nominated for "Best African Group" at the Kora Awards (2009)
  • Nominated for "Best African Group" at the Kora Awards (2010)
  • Best African Group of the Decade 2001-2011 at the Kundé Awards (2011)

Discography[edit]

  • Les Nouveaux Missiles (1995)
  • Confirmation (1996)
  • Ouragan (1997)
  • État-Major (1998)
  • Shalaï (1999)
  • Trop C'Est Trop (2001)
  • Obligatoire (2004)
  • La Main Noire (2006)
  • Sorcellerie Kindoki (2011)
  • Contentieux (2014)
  • Oyo Ekoya Eya (2015)
  • 242 (2018)
  • Patati Patata (2020)
  • Bokoko (2021)
  • Nzoungou (2023)

References list[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Frank Bessem's Musiques d'Afrique / Congo : Extra Musica". www.musiques-afrique.net. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  2. ^ a b "Extra Musica on the Easter menu". New Vision. 2001. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Extra Musica | adiac-congo.com : toute l'actualité du Bassin du Congo". www.adiac-congo.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  4. ^ "Extra Musica Setlist at Le Zénith, Paris". setlist.fm. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  5. ^ Extra Musica. Bataclan de Paris (1998)
  6. ^ a b "Congo-Brazzaville: premier concert de la star Roga-Roga au stade Alphonse-Massamba-Débat". RFI (in French). 2023-06-25. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  7. ^ a b Ibrahim DAKPOGAN (2021-10-19). Extra Musica - Etat Major (Prestation Kora 2000). Retrieved 2024-05-27 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ a b "Awards - Kora Awards Palmarès". KORA. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  9. ^ a b "PALMARES 2003 – KUNDE" (in French). Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  10. ^ Congo Mokili TV (2021-10-15). CONGOMOKILI:"Kila Mbongo" Un souvenir douloureux, je pourrais pleurer en racontant ça. Retrieved 2024-05-27 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Kiese, Mboka (2004-12-02). "Musique : Doudou Kopa a quitté le groupe Extra Musica". Congopage (in French). Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  12. ^ "Musique : Oxy-Oxygène et Asden, deux artistes à redécouvrir ! | adiac-congo.com : toute l'actualité du Bassin du Congo". www.adiac-congo.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  13. ^ Kiese, Mboka (2005-02-25). "Extra Musica : fin de la tournée en Afrique Australe". Congopage (in French). Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  14. ^ "Extra Musica Zangul – La Main Noire". Discogs. 19 December 2006. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  15. ^ "Souvenir : honneur à Extra Musica pour son intemporel « Shalaï » | adiac-congo.com : toute l'actualité du Bassin du Congo". adiac.netisse.eu. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  16. ^ "Francophonie : un méga concert de musique à la veille du sommet au stade des Martyrs". Radio Okapi (in French). 2012-10-02. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  17. ^ "Musique : les querelles de leadership au sein du groupe Extra Musica ont refait surface à Pointe-Noire | adiac-congo.com : toute l'actualité du Bassin du Congo". www.adiac-congo.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  18. ^ CK GROUP Label (2014-08-28). ROGA ROGA EXTRA MUSICA - Contentieux. Retrieved 2024-05-27 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ "À l'Affiche ! - Le groupe congolais Extra Musica sort un nouvel album". France 24 (in French). 2018-02-12. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  20. ^ à 20h32, Par Carole Sterlé Le 27 mai 2018 (2018-05-27). "Incidents autour d'un concert à Montreuil : Roga Roga a chanté malgré tout". leparisien.fr (in French). Retrieved 2024-05-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ "PALMARÈS 2019 – KUNDE" (in French). Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  22. ^ "Extra Musica de Roga-Roga : éclatement | adiac-congo.com : toute l'actualité du Bassin du Congo". www.adiac-congo.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  23. ^ ROGA ROGA Officiel (2021-09-24). Roga Roga & Extra Musica - BOKOKO (Official Video). Retrieved 2024-05-27 – via YouTube.
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