Formed in 1958 by Henri Bowane, Ry-Co Jazz was a pioneering Congolese band that blended traditional rumba with Latin rhythms, creating a vibrant and danceable sound. The core lineup featured Freddy N'Kounkou on vocals, M'Bilia Casino on congas and vocals, Panda Gracia on bass, and the exceptional guitarist Jerry Malekani. Their extensive tours across West Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean in the 1960s and early 1970s not only popularized Congolese rumba internationally but also influenced the development of local music scenes, particularly in the French Caribbean. ([music.apple.com](https://music.apple.com/dk/artist/ry-co-jazz/201599867?utm_source=openai))