PRE-ORDER: This item will be shipped with the aim to deliver on release day.
Release Date: 24 July 2026
Label: One Drop / Autre Distribution
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 3521383505540
Genres: World Music Classical
Description
Composer and pianist of international renown, Ray Lema has forged over the decades a unique musical language nourished since childhood by both the European classical repertoire and the musical traditions of the more than two hundred ethnic groups of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His art lies in a remarkable capacity to fuse apparently distant worlds, creating sonic bridges between Africa and Europe.
Celebrating his 80th birthday in 2026, Ray Lema is one of the most singular and enduring figures in world music. Over a career spanning six decades, from his early years in Kinshasa to his long-standing presence on European jazz and contemporary music scenes, he has collaborated with artists as diverse as Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita and Laurent de Wilde, while continuously expanding his compositional palette across continents and genres.
Passion Congo is Ray Lema's most ambitious chamber work to date - a heartfelt declaration of love for his native Congo and its music. Conceived as both a musical celebration and an act of cultural transmission, the album brings together Lema's piano and voice with six high-level Italian musicians forming the Ensemble Partage String Quartet, plus soprano saxophonist Manuel Pramotton, percussionist Marco Giovinazzo, and guest percussionist Nesta Mondelice. This formation, at once classical and audacious, provides an ideal frame for exploring the richness of a singular compositional voice where African and European traditions meet in a compelling harmony.
Tracklisting
Naissam Jalal
Airelle Besson & Lionel Suarez
Naissam Jalal
Lagon Nwar
Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli
Ray Lema & Ensemble Partage
Michel Portal
Michel Portal
Ray Lema & Ensemble Partage
David Lively
Bill Hawkes & Shaun Lyon
Mahler Academy Orchestra; Philipp von Steinaecker
Various Artists
Yulianna Avdeeva
Simon Trpceski; Royal Scottish National Orchestra; Thomas Sondergard
Plamena Nikitassova; Les Elemens
