Cavacha

Cavacha, also known as Masini ya Kauka or Machine ya Kauka, is a drumming pattern used in sebene, the instrumental section of Congolese rumba. Developed by Zaïko Langa Langa's longtime drummer, Meridjo Belobi, cavacha originated in the early 1970s in Kinshasa. Its origins are contested as one version attributed to Zaïko Langa Langa's founding members claims that Belobi devised the rhythm in 1971 while touring Pointe-Noire, inspired by the repetitive clattering of train wheels. Another version, recounted by Belobi himself, credits a local Kinshasa-based urban folk group whose drumbeats influenced him—especially a beat played on a large mbonda drum. He eventually adapted this pattern for Zaïko Langa Langa, integrating ghosted 16th notes to develop what became known as cavacha.

Regardless of its disputed origin, cavacha evolved into a defining rhythmic form that influenced generations and made waves across Central, East, and West Africa, as well as in Europe and Latin America. Beyond its percussive significance, cavacha is also synonymous with its eponymous dance style, introduced by Zaïko Langa Langa's vocalist Evoloko Jocker.