Wednesday, January 03, 2018

Music (Congolese): Innoss'B and Anita Mwarabu Share with Us the Pain of Bolingo Mabe

In Bolingo Mabe (Lingala phrase for false, untrue or unfaithful Love), we renew our acquaintance with super-talented but unassuming Innoss'B, who hails from the DRC -- and speaks Swahili too. We last saw (and heard) him with Koffi Olomide in that blast of a song titled Elengi. Here he sings with his compatriot, sophisticated and self-confident Anita Mwarabu, who also speaks Swahili. That's a plus, for both. She sings in To Dondwa as well, with maestro Fally Ipupa and company. 

The theme in Bolingo Mabe, mostly sung in Lingala, is that true love is hard to find. Untrue or false or betrayed love, its ever-present nemesis, is plainly tiring and disengaging. Still, the fine voices and sounds which deliver the stark message are quite stirring. The superbly crafted tune entices the listener to keep on listening -- and watching the video. 

"Tara ndoto" -- Hm! Hm!

The pained tone that threads through the whole thing mimics the sad experience. We hear the exasperation (in Swahili): "Yeye 'tarudi lini!?"


Watch the Bolingo Mabe Video Here 

Notes: 
1. Bolingo (Lingala) = Love
2. Mabe = Bad, Fake, False, Untrue, Wicked...
3. Bolingo Mabe = False (or Untrue) love; Unfaithful Love.

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