On the Rumba River
Traveling up and down the majestic Congo River on a disheveled boat, the young orphan Antoine Kolosoy composed his first songs on a beat up old guitar. As he gained renown, the young “Wendo,” as he was now known, was persecuted by the church and his music banned by the Belgian colonial authorities, who feared his joyful rhythms would stir unrest.
Wendo became a professional boxer for a time, but he never put down his guitar for long, and when his first album was released in 1948 he became the first superstar of Congolese Rumba.
In the 1960s, his songs expressed the hopes of a newly independent nation, when all dreams seemed like they could become reality. As the country suffered for nearly three decades under the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, his music remained as a manifestation of the joyous spirit of the Congolese people that could not be taken away.
Rediscovered several years ago after having been reduced to beggarhood, Wendo made a comeback under the new regime in 1997.
Directed by
Jacques Sarasin
Cast
Wendo Kolosoy
Mbinga Kabata
Antoine Moundanda
Joseph Munange
Mukubuele Nzoku
Aminata Panda
Alphonse Biolo Batilangandi
Michel Vula Makonzo
Production Co.
Les Productions Faire Bleu
First Run Features
Produced by
Jacques Sarasin
Studio
First Run Features
Music
Wendo Kolosoy
