Artists
who's who and who's doing what?Ricardo Lemvo
- country:Congo (Democratic Republic of the)
- style(s):Afro Cuban
- label:Mopiato Music
- type:Band, Composer/Songwriter
- gender:male
- instrumentation:instrumental, vocal
- artist submitted by:
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca's unique fusion of Latin and African music has been hailed as 'The Future of Salsa'. The group's 1998 Putumayo release 'Mambo Yo Yo' was acclaimed as one of the best Latin/African releases of recent years. Lemvo and company welcomed the new millennium with an adventurous new album, 'Sao Salvador', which sizzles with Ricardo's trademark blend of soukous and salsa, yet asserts Lemvo as one of world music's great innovators alongside such musical mentors as Oscar D'Leon and Africando.
Ricardo grew up in the cosmopolitan African metropolis of Kinshasa Congo, at a time when Cuban music and American soul were taking Africa by storm. In 1972, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a political science degree, but soon became homesick for the sounds of his youth. Ricardo became determined to create a musical group that captured all of the elements of the African and Cuban Music that he so missed and loved.
In 1990, Makina Loca was born, blending African soukous and rumba with Cuban salsa and son. In the years since, this melting pot of a group has developed into one of the greatest World Music ensembles around.
"(Ricardo Lemvo)… is a master, and when he plays you might think you're listening to an old mambo record cut in 1950s Havana." New York Daily Times
"Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca manage a blend of Cuban and central African traditions that is seamless and organic - and infectious." Los Angeles Times
"Whether they're kicking out Cuban jams or taking afro-pop to the bridge, Lemvo and company will make you sweat." Time Out New York
"Makina Loca is a testament to Latin music's world-wide appeal." New York Press
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