The beats of power: How African leaders used musicians to spread their influence

Founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta acknowledges cheers from groups of traditional dancers and school choirs at State House, Nakuru. [File, Standard]

Perhaps no other world leader relished music and wallowed in it more than the late Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Nza Mbanga, President of Congo/Zaire between 1965 and 1997.