New York

Now TWO Soukous Record Stores in midtown Manhattan - !!

August 24th, 2009 | by admin |

Samassa has a “new” neighbor! At the Soukous Stars concert the other night I was excitedly informed (by I-don’t-remember-who) that a “new” African music store had opened even nearer to my home than the one at 30th and Broadway (Samassa). This “new” one is at 32nd and Broadway (I live at 35th)…AND it was said to have lots more Congolese music than Samassa.

It’s at 1265 Broadway, on the 6th floor, and the owner is a Congolese fellow named Jean-Barthe. I went over to have a look today and WOW: It’s true: The shop is a towering, high-ceilinged room with Congolese hits right up to the ceiling. It’s incredible!!

But apparently not so “new.” Jean-Barthe told me tonight it’s been open for two years. But he admitted that a lot of people still don’t know about the place yet.

See it all for yourself on this documentary video of my trip to Jean-Barthe’s African music store…! The shop is just two blocks from Macy’s in the sparkling heart of midtown Manhattan, so I could not resist offering a few street scenes of my neighborhood before the music store visit begins…

If you like something you see on the video, call Jean-Barthe at
+1 646 935 1975…
or order online (!!!) at
http://www.jbmactions.com

The address is
African Movies & Music
1265 Broadway
#600
New York, NY 10001

Not pictured on the video:
Bella-Bella…Tabu Ley…Pierre Moutouari et Michaelle…Pepe Ndombe…some post-Franco T.P. OK Jazz…Madilu…Josky Kiambukuta…Dino Vangu…Mbilia Bel…a huge selection of African gospel music and a vast number of Congolese theatrical films - ! (”comedies”)…and more…

People have asked me why I am showing so much attention to this shop and never mentioning Samassa Records, the veteran of the neighborhood, just two blocks away. The answer is: MY BAD! I just discovered this “new” shop and went crazy. Samassa Records is also great: You should definitely visit BOTH whenever you are in the neighborhood. Indeed, it would be ridiculous to travel to midtown to shop for African music and visit only one of these and not the other. Samassa told me he has been in business at his nearby location for many years (like, 8, I think!). Here’s his info:
Samassa Records
1225 Broadway Ste 319
New York, NY 10001-4309
(212) 725-3741
Samassa is just south of 30th street. Sometimes there is a long line for the elevator so enjoy the full experience: Take the stairs. Also in the same hallway with Samassa: An African bodies-specialist jeans shop. This may be the hottest office hallway in New York, or perhaps, the world!

Duration : 0:11:25

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