DVD

On the Rumba River - Wendo

Jacques Sarasin – Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) – 2007

CHF 16.90 / EUR 15.70

Travelling up and down the majestic river Congo 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 60s, 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.

Featuring stunning images and unforgettable music and interviews, On the Rumba River is a musical tribute to the Congolese people, who despite desperate poverty, a history of oppression and an ongoing civil war that has killed nearly 4 million people, continue to be sustained by music.

trigon-film dvd-edition 109
Language OV lingala Subtitles english, deutsch, français
Length 85 min. Screen 1:1.85 - 16:9 PAL, color Sound DTS FSK 14+ Region code All regions 

Popular combinations

  • Soul Power DVD
    DVD

    The legendary African Woodstock 1974

  • Wendo Kolosoy - On the Rumba River Soundtracks
    Soundtracks

    Original Filmsoundtrack

  • Delwende DVD
    DVD

    African story of expulsed women

  • Touki Bouki - Journey of the Hyena DVD
    DVD

    The classic of the african cinema - in restored version

  • Ouaga Saga DVD
    DVD

    A Western in the african way

  • Yaaba DVD
    DVD

    Childhood in Burkina Faso

  • TGV DVD
    DVD

    The great african roadmovie

  • Hyènes - The visit DVD
    DVD

    Dürrenmatt in Africa - Restored version

  • Amandla! DVD
    DVD

    A revolution in four-part harmony

  • Fatma DVD
    DVD

    Destiny of a young woman in Tunesia

  • Daratt - Dry Season DVD
    DVD

    How can a war be stopped?

  • Nha Fala - My voice DVD
    DVD

    An african musical

Further products