Extra Musica

Extra Musica is a Congolese rumba band formed in Ouenzé, Brazzaville, in August 1993. The band was established by Roga-Roga, Espé Bass, Kila Mbongo, Durell Loemba, Guy-Guy Fall, Ramatoulaye Ngolali, and Quentin Moyascko, who initially met at the Sainte Thérèse church in Ouenzé, being neighbors and classmates. Prior to forming Extra Musica, several members had been associated with the Cogiex Stars ensemble but seceded subsequent to facing punitive repercussions for attempting to infuse new ideas. In 1995, Extra Musica were spotted by Denide Production, which released their debut studio album, Les Nouveaux Missiles. The album was a commercial success, earning a gold record with sales exceeding 50,000 copies by April 1996 and introducing their first hit, "Freddy Nelson". Extra Musica's second studio album, Confirmation, debuted in December 1996, achieved considerable success in Africa. In 1997, the band released their third studio album, Ouragan. However, internecine dispute precipitated a schism in 1998, prompting Quentin Moyascko and several affiliates to establish Extra Musica International, whereas Roga-Roga and others remained as Extra Musica Zangul. Extra Musica, now rebranded as Extra Musica Zangul, released Etat-Major in December 1998, which emerged as their most successful record, which yielded their international stardom with sales surpassing 100,000 copies in France. Subsequent albums included Shalaï (1999), Trop c'est trop (2001), and Obligatoire (2004). In 2006, they released the double album La Main Noire. Bokoko was issued on 15 August 2021, with the eponymous single achieving continental acclaim. Their six-track EP Nzoungou, debuted on 20 August 2023. Throughout their career, Extra Musica Zangul has accrued numerous accolades, including African Revelation of the Year at the Ngwomo Africa Awards in Kinshasa in 1996, Best African Group at the Africar Music Awards in Libreville in 1997, and Best African and Best Afro-Caribbean Group at the Africar Music Awards in 1998. They...