SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – On Tuesday, June 30, a free screening was held at the Springfield Town Library of a documentary titled “Congolese Rumba: History and Economy.” The event was hosted by Root Sounds Productions, a local artistic and cultural production company.
Root Sounds Productions was founded by Paulin Lukombo Sinu, a percussionist and musician born in the Congo region in Central Africa, and Johanna Sorrentino, a communications strategist, performing artist, vocalist, and Springfield native. Sorrentino cofounded Root Sounds Productions with her husband Sinu, to bring diverse, global sounds and experiences to the state they now call home, and to enrich the area’s cultural landscape through music education and production, and community events.
“The date [of the screening] holds particular significance,” relayed Sorrentino, “as June 30th marks the anniversary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s independence.”
Additionally, Sorrentino said, “Thanks to a new partnership with the film’s producer, historian and Senator Didier Mumengi, this will be the first time the film has ever been shown with English translation – anywhere.”
The documentary explores the history and global influence of Congolese rumba music, a genre that emerged in the early 20th century and fused Central African rhythms with Afro-Cuban influences. The screening was followed by a brief drum demonstration from Sinu.
Root Sounds Productions is dedicated to creating a lasting impact in Springfield, in Vermont, and across the globe, cementing rumba and Central African culture in history, and creating an economy around the traditional music, through education and innovation.
Located at 60 Park Street, in the former Park Street School building, now the Black River Innovation Campus, Root Sounds Productions offers classes for all skill levels. The courses are led by Sinu, whose teaching philosophy is “to equip students with both technical proficiency and cultural awareness, empowering them to apply Central African rhythmic concepts within jazz, global music, and modern performance settings.”
For more information, or to register for classes, visit www.rootsoundsproduction.com.