A Psychoacoustic Analysis of Spectral Clustering in Congolese Rumba Mixing: Application of the Mugisho Perceptual Mixing Framework (MPMF)

Congolese Rumba is one of the most rhythmically rich and culturally influential African music genres, yet its mixing practices remain largely undocumented from a psychoacoustic perspective.

This study introduces a structured analysis of spectral clustering and perceptual density, two critical factors that often lead to reduced clarity, listener fatigue, and perceived low-frequency weakness in dense mixes.

Conducted within the Mugisho Perceptual Mixing Framework (MPMF), this research explores how excessive high-frequency energy (2–10 kHz) affects perceptual balance and proposes a repeatable methodology based on spectral redistribution, temporal control, and spatial differentiation.

The results demonstrate that targeted intervention in perceptually sensitive regions can significantly improve clarity, separation, and translation across playback systems.

This work contributes to bridging the gap between audio science and African music production, offering both a theoretical model and practical application for engineers working in complex musical environments.