Soukous Guitar Lessons - African Guitar Tutorials & Sebene

Explore A Rich Musical History

Imagine traveling back in time to the 1940s, when the African Rumba – a unique style influenced by Cuban Son music – was born. Wendo Kolosoy’s ‘Marie-Louise’, the first song recorded on African soil, was captivating listeners. ‘Congolia’, the continent’s first radio station, was broadcasting music created on the Ngoma and Opika labels.

Or maybe to the 60s, when Le Grande Kalle released ‘Independence Cha Cha’ and ushered in a new era of music as colonial power began to wane. Electric guitars became readily accessible, the amps got louder, and the drum kit arrived. Franco Luambo Makiadi and Tabu Ley battled it out ferociously for chart dominance. Meri Djo energised audiences with the original Cavacha rhythm. Dr Nico laid down the Sebene guitar lines that would shape Central African music for the next 50 years.

Now Imagine All Of That Was Right At Your Fingertips.

Sample Lessons

Meet Your Teacher

Kinshasa-born guitarist Jeannot Bel embraces the sounds that shaped his homeland and influenced the music of an entire continent with a style that bridges the gap between the pioneering megastars of mid-century Congolese guitar to keen musicians from the modern era. Bel has come a long way since building his first two-string guitar from a piece of wood, a tin of milk, and a bicycle cable.

Through his rhythm guitarist cousin Dawa Lusamba he was able to connect with legendary Congolese guitar pioneers like Roxy Thsimpaka, Franco and Pepe Felly Manuaku as a youth, transitioning from a determined kid playing on a shared acoustic guitar to a respected pro who tours the world with Kanda Bongo Man’s band and other big names in African guitar music.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

Central African Guitar

Join Jeannot Bel on a journey through the origins of Central African Guitar music in this 1 hour 40 minute online course. There's Soukous, Sebene, Zouk, Rumba, Kidagudagu, Mutuashe, Makossa and more styles to learn on rhythm and lead guitar.

Interactive On-Screen Notation

Learning new skills is easier with our innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, animated fretboard diagrams, variable tempos, and more today.

Masterclass

Take part in the next session live and receive immediate feedback and answers about anything Rumba music related from Jeannot Bel.

African Backing Tracks

Put your new techniques into practice and Jam on recordings by the World Music Method tutors over different African grooves including Soukous, Zouk and Afrobeat.