Zazou Bikaye – Mr. Manager – Vinyl Record

Description

Zazou Bikaye – Mr. Manager – Vinyl Record

Mr. Manager is a 1986 album by Zazou Bikaye, a collaboration between French composer/producer Hector Zazou and Congolese singer Bony Bikaye. This album followed their groundbreaking 1983 release, Noir et Blanc, which fused traditional Congolese sounds with electronic and avant-garde music.

Unlike Noir et Blanc, which had a more experimental electronic sound, Mr. Manager leans toward a more polished and accessible Afro-funk and synth-pop style. It features infectious grooves, funky basslines, and shimmering synths while still retaining an African rhythmic core. The album was influenced by the growing worldbeat movement of the 1980s, where African music blended with Western pop and electronic sounds.

Notable Tracks

“Mr. Manager” – The title track is an upbeat and funky piece with Bikaye’s deep vocals delivering socially conscious lyrics.
“Nostalgie” – A more melancholic and atmospheric track, showcasing Bikaye’s vocal expressiveness.
“Angel” – A danceable, synth-heavy tune with a strong groove.

Mr. Manager is sometimes overlooked compared to Noir et Blanc, but it remains a significant album in the fusion of African and electronic music. It reflects the mid-’80s shift toward more danceable world music while still carrying elements of the avant-garde. The album is a must-listen for fans of artists like Thomas Mapfumo, King Sunny Adé, or Yello.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Crammed Records 1985

Track Listing
Mr Manager
Nostalgie
Soki Akei
(Little) Angel
Angel