Remmy Ongala called his sound "ubongo beat," since "ubongo" means "brain" in Swahili and this was music with conscience and groove. Songs for the Poor Man was the band's first album to feature lyrics in English as well as Swahili, and the first recorded in the West. Here is a band firing on all cylinders: a bassist, saxophonist, three percussionists, and three guitarists delivering an East African take on soukous, while giving their leader's distinctive rasp the space to soar.
Release date:
August 5, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Solence Angels Calling (Red)
Better Noise Music
October 10, 2025 -
Brandi Carlile Returning To Myself (White)
Brandi Carlile Band/Interscope/Lost Highway
October 24, 2025 -
The Aces Gold Star Baby (Gold)
Vector
October 24, 2025 -
Constant Smiles Moonflowers (Clear)
Felte Records
November 7, 2025 -
Biffy Clyro Futique
Warner Records
September 26, 2025 -
Hannah Frances Nested in Tangles (Ruby)
Fire Talk Records
October 10, 2025 -
Jim White Inner Day
Drag City
October 24, 2025 -
Hatchie Liquorice (Red)
Secretly Canadian
November 7, 2025 -
Chicks On Speed HEARTopia (Deluxe Edition, Pink) [5xLP]
Groenland Records
October 17, 2025 -
Pupil Slicer Fleshwork
Prosthetic Records
November 7, 2025 -
Prince And The Revolution Around The World In A Day
Legacy Recordings
November 21, 2025 -
NewDad Altar
Atlantic
September 19, 2025 -
Battle Beast Steelbound (Transparent curacao blue)
Nuclear Blast
October 17, 2025 -
Kings of Convenience Peace or Love
Pias America
November 21, 2025