The Sound of Central African Guitar: A Playlist Guide

Central African guitar is fluid, melodic, and deeply rhythmic, shaping some of the most danceable and influential styles in African music. From the hypnotic sebene grooves of Congolese soukous to the syncopated bounce of Cameroonian makossa, the guitar is at the heart of the region’s sound.

In the Central African Guitar course with Jeannot Bel, you’ll explore these styles in depth, learning the techniques that give them their unmistakable character. Whether it’s the intricate rumba odemba progressions or the fast, fiery mutuashi rhythm, this course will break down what makes Central African guitar unique.

This playlist is designed to accompany the course, offering essential listening for the styles covered. While the written list below features the recommended versions, some tracks on our Spotify playlist may be alternate versions due to availability.

Click here to explore the full course.

Makossa: The Groove That Put Cameroon on the Map

Makossa blends funk, highlife, and traditional Cameroonian rhythms, with a strong bassline and bright, rhythmic guitar phrasing. This style gained global recognition in the 1970s and ‘80s, largely thanks to artists like Manu Dibango and Eboa Lotin, who infused jazz elements into the genre.

Soul Makossa – Manu Dibango (Guitar: Jerry Malekani)
Ngon – Eboa Lotin (Guitar: Eboa Lotin)
Zangalewa – Golden Sounds (Guitar: Guy Dooh)

Zouk: The Sound of the Islands with Central African Influence

Zouk originated in the French Caribbean but found strong roots in Gabon, Martinique, and Guadeloupe, with its swinging rhythm guitar and smooth, danceable grooves. The group Kassav’, led by legendary guitarist Jacob Desvarieux, pioneered the style, merging it with influences from makossa and soukous.

Zouk la Sé Sél Médikaman Nou Ni – Kassav’ (Guitar: Jacob Desvarieux)
Siwo – Kassav’ (Guitar: Jacob Desvarieux)
Doudou – Jacob Desvarieux (Guitar: Jacob Desvarieux)
Kolé Séré – Jocelyne Béroard & Kassav’ (Guitar: Georges Décimus)

Mutuashi: The Rhythmic Dance Music of the DRC

Mutuashi is a high-energy dance rhythm from the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known for its pulsing triplet feel and sharp, intricate guitar lines. Guitarists like Rigo Star Moya and Souzy Kaseya brought a distinctive touch to the genre, making it a staple of Central African music.

Karibu Yangu – Tshala Muana (Guitar: Rigo Star Moya)
Lekela Muadi – Tshala Muana (Guitar: Souzy Kaseya)
Faux Pas – Mbilia Bel (Guitar: Beniko Popolipo)

Sebene & Soukous: The Fast-Paced Dance Style That Took Over Africa

Sebene is the instrumental breakdown in Congolese soukous, where the guitar takes center stage, playing rapid-fire, interlocking melodies. Pioneers like Franco Luambo, Dr. Nico, and Tabu Ley Rochereau helped shape the genre, which became a pan-African dance phenomenon.

Mario – Franco & TPOK Jazz (Guitar: Franco Luambo)
Amour Fou – Tabu Ley Rochereau (Guitar: Dr. Nico)
Loi – Koffi Olomidé (Guitar: Felly Tyson)
Africa Mokili Mobimba – Sam Mangwana (Guitar: Dizzy Mandjeku)

Congolese Rumba: The Foundation of Central African Guitar

Congolese rumba, developed in the 1950s and 60s, was heavily influenced by Cuban son, blending smooth, melodic guitar lines with rich vocal harmonies. It later evolved into soukous, but its foundation remains in the music of legends like Grand Kallé and Franco Luambo.

Indépendance Cha Cha – Grand Kallé (Guitar: Tino Baroza)
Ngungi – Franco & TPOK Jazz (Guitar: Thierry Mantuika)
Ata Ndele – Franco (Guitar: Franco Luambo)

Unlock the Secrets of Central African Guitar

This playlist is your gateway into the intricate, infectious, and deeply rhythmic guitar traditions of Central Africa. Whether you’re drawn to the dancefloor energy of soukous, the groovy swing of makossa, or the melodic beauty of Congolese rumba, each track is an essential piece of this musical legacy.

If you’re ready to learn these techniques firsthand, click here to start your journey with the Central African Guitar course, where Jeannot Bel will break down the styles, grooves, and licks that define this iconic sound.