On October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, the “Battle of the Boxing Giants” took place: Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman, then the world champion. Rooted in the Pan-Africanist movement of the time, it was a geopolitical event of the utmost importance. This legendary match in the heart of the Congo—renamed Zaire by the despotic President Mobutu Sese Seko—was accompanied by a massive concert featuring big names from African-American show business—James Brown, B.B. King, The Crusaders, The Spinners, Bill Withers, Sister Sledge, Celia Cruz with Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barretto & the Fania All Stars—as well as the African stars of the time: Miriam Makeba, Manu Dibango, Franco & the TP OK Jazz, Tabu Ley Rochereau and his Afrisa International Orchestra, and the Madjesi Trio. They all contributed to this fabulous celebration, marking the rise of Black Music on the world stage.
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