Fally Ipupa – Un Jour

Congolese rumba icon Fally Ipupa kicks off disk four of his huge “XX: Délirium” project with “C’est Comment,” enlisting Afrik’an Legend for a true tone-setter. This is actually a transition moment in the album, straight after “Fourah” ends disk three.

Fally has crafted this album as a tribute to his career, 20 years in rumba, and the participation of Afrik’an Legend here proves just how far his collaborative reach stretches. The title roughly translates as “how’s it going,” a relaxed, conversational beginning suited for a new disk. There’s considerable intent behind how this next stretch opens, starting disk four with a feature.

His distinctive rumba bass remains the backbone of the production, which is patient and highly textured throughout. None of this is about a cheap hook. Instead the design allows real space for a real meeting of two separate voices.

Fally heads the ensemble with his trademark expressive seasoned voice, bringing real warmth through every line. His delivery remains confident all the way through and he’s comfortable opening a new disk after such a massive first three. He sounds very much in control, setting the tone for what is yet to come.

Then Afrik’an Legend steps up to the plate and adds his own personality to the equation, giving disk four its own unique character. Their chemistry together gives “C’est Comment” some real weight as an opener.

“C’est Comment” works because both artists totally embrace that fresh, welcome spirit. Here nothing is rushed or a forced restart. It seems like a confident opening line for the final stretch of “XX: Délirium.”