This week, I’ve had Ricardo Lemvo’s “Mambo Yo Yo” #OnRepeat. I have been listening to Lemvo’s music for awhile, but recently have become somewhat obsessed since watching him perform live at Grand Performances in Downtown Los Angeles this past weekend.
Ricardo Lemvo is a singer born in Angola, but was raised in Kishasa from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he was first introduced to Cuban music. Ricardo formed the band, Makina Loca, back in 1990, blending influences from African Soukous, Kizomba, Samba, and Cuban Salsa music. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California, but travels internationally frequently for concerts, festivals, private events. Some of his most well-known songs are “Yiri Yiri Bon,” “Malambo,” “Mama Kiyele,” “Birin Birin,” and “Tata Masamba.”
“Mambo Yo Yo” is an upbeat song that sounds almost like an Afro-Cuban salsa song if you didn’t listen closely to the lyrics, which are both in Spanish and mix in words from different African languages. Ricardo’s voice brings a unique color to the music because of his nasal-like, raspy yet vibrant timbre. His melodic phrasing seems to float on top of the other instruments and his rhythmic timing keeps you on your feet dancing.
Take a listen below:
I know that Ricardo is able to sing in several different languages, however, I’m not quite sure which African language he is singing in here. If anyone has an accurate translation of his lyrics, or can point me in the right direction, please feel free to leave a comment below. Please check out more of Ricardo Lemvo’s music, both online and live performances!