MAKAMBO EZALI MINENE/PROBLEMS ARE TOO MUCH-FRANCO & MADILU SYSTEM FT TP OK JAZZ

The song "Makambo Ezali Minene" (meaning "The Problems are Big"), released in the 1980s by Franco Luambo Makiadi and Madilu System with TP OK Jazz, is a classic of Congolese Rumba that explores the "social realism" of domestic hardship and betrayal.
The song's central themes include:
Long-Distance Separation and Neglect: The lyrics tell the story of a wife whose husband went to Europe ("Poto") for further studies but has overstayed, leaving her behind for an indefinite period. While he sends letters and money, she expresses a deep longing for his physical presence ("presence ya bomoto").
Alcoholism as an Escape: Due to the stress and loneliness caused by her husband's absence and his rumored infidelity with her friend, Lusala, the wife admits to drinking heavily ("komela mingi") to the point of intoxication ("kwiti-kwiti") to forget her troubles.
Collective Grief and Empathy: In a poignant scene, the wife returns home to find people crying; though she doesn't know why they are weeping, she joins them, using the moment to vent her own deep sorrow over her husband.
Financial Betrayal and Mismanagement: The wife is a member of a women's savings group ("likelemba"). She has a dispute with another woman named Zenaba because she cannot fulfill her financial obligations to the group. She explains that her husband refused to give her the money, claiming he spent it on children's christenings and other expenses like stamps.
Deception and Disappointment: The wife also mentions another man, Dodo (Tonton), who betrayed her trust by being found in the arms of a rival.
This song is widely regarded as a masterful social commentary on the breakdown of traditional support systems and the emotional toll of migration on families.