It was in Le Havre, where their family had settled, that Alain and Serge Seresse founded Ideku Dynasty. But make no mistake, it was young people from Kribi – you know, the land of Eko Roosevelt – who were at the helm here. The group only released one album, Ideku Dynasty, in 1981, which has become cult and almost impossible to find, with its mix of makossa and afro-funk. The two brothers were joined by a number of well-known names, including Jimmy Mvondo, Moustik Ambassa and the inescapable Ambroise Voundi on technique. Here are a few extracts, starting with the irresistible Zenguele Dance, followed by the afro-disco-funk Force Funk Leader, driven by the groove of Noël Assolo on bass. On the cover photo, the band pose, leaning on the ‘molecule’ in the Caucriauville district of Le Havre. And, fittingly, this copy is dedicated to the Mayor of Kribi – but that’s another story, and a strictly personal one! The album is published by Safran, known for several Afro-Caribbean publications, including Fabriano Fuzion’s Cosmik Sindika.
[Edit – 14 June 2024] We are saddened to learn today of the death of Serge Seresse. May he rest in peace.
