Sammy Massamba

Vive La Musique burst onto the scene last year with the hugely successful ''Tabala Mouv''. For the follow-up, they present two songs from prolific Congolese talent, Sammy Massamba, taken from his cult self-released album ''1990 - Beni Soit Ton Nom''. Title track ''Azali'' immediately hooks you in with its mysterious intro, laden with early 90s keyboards and drum machine. Sammy's funk guitar and anthemic vocal lines turn this unique composition into an infectious afro-pop masterpiece. Label founder Aroop Roy steps up with a customary edit, extending the arrangement and giving the drums and mix a modern-club touch. Sammy describes the second track, ''Birika'', as a mix of Congolese Rumba, Afrobeat. and Reggae. A mid-tempo bass and guitar groove form the backdrop for Sammy's powerful vocals. An exquisite rumba guitar line completes another high class composition.

• 1 Azali
• 2 Birika
• 3 Azali (Aroop Roy edit)