Turned on voice recorder as I left the house yesterday, on my way to town. Intended to comment upon things of interest as I passed them. Didn’t expect this encounter with an African neighbour at no. 13, two doors down. We’d not spoken before, other than a friendly greeting.
This is what I captured, unknown to him or a friend who was helping him unload his car.
For the words (in mixed Lingala and French) and translation in English, click here.
Immediately after, I returned with a CD I’d promised to lend him:
I lent him vol. 6 because it one has one of my favourite songs of all time. He made a copy and returned it.
Testament Ya Bowule (Lutumba Simaro) – Franco Luambo & le T.P. O.K. Jazz 1986
When we spoke, I couldn’t recall the name of my old friend who lives in the block of flats near the top end of our road. He is Bernie Wise. I see him sometimes, walking to town on the little road behind ours. It was he who gave me a cassette including a track from Pirate’s Choice by Orchestra Baobab and lent me the six CD set voices of Africa.
You’ll notice on the “podcast” a brief exchange with my good friend Mark who lives in the flats on the other side of the road, ever cheerful, usually with a can of strong cider in his hand.
See this post for the lyrics to Simaro’s song and an English translation.