The late Franco [a.k.a L'Okanga La Ndju Pene Luambo Luanzo Makiadi] and his T.P. OK Jazz is arguable the best musician Black Africa has ever produced. Some have called him “The James Brown of Africa,” the “Godfather of Soul.”

Performing in French, Lingala, Kiswahili and other native Congolese languages, Franco was a master of Rumba [African Rumba], a style of music that originated in Congo, and evolved into Soukous music

Franco accentuated the “Afro-Latin” beat — a complex mixture of Cuban sons, boleros and Congolese folk music.

Sadly, Congolese maestro, the “sorcerer of the Guitar,” the “Grand Maitre of Zairean Music,” Luambo Luanzo Makiadi, died in a hospital in Brussels, Belgium, in 1989 at the age of 51. Just before his death, he recorded his AIDS-consciousness anthem “Attention Na SIDA” [Beware of AIDS]. Although never officially mentioned [taboo], Franco’s death was HIV related.

Africa lost a “Music Goliath.”

Many, if not ALL modern Congolese musicians from Music rich Zaire [Now DRC -- Democratic Republic of Congo] owe their success to L’Okanga La Ndju Pene Luambo Luanzo Makiadi.

Among Franco’s proteges were Lutumba Simaro Massiya [a.k.a. Le Poet], for many years, his deputy band leader. Lutumba succeeded Franco after his death, but after quarrels with Franco’s family, quit to form Bana OK — together with fabulous Franco proteges like — Josky Kiambukuta, Ndombe Opetum, Malage de Lugendo and Ntessa Dalienst.

Below is Malage de Lugendo performing one of Franco’s classics – “Infidelite Mado,” With Shiko Mawatu doing a very “credible imitation” of Franco’s guitar work – at a recent performance by the band “Soukous Stars,” in New Jersey [USA].

Many have tried to emulate Franco’s style, but none will ever do it quite like him, instead African Rumba has evolved into “Soukous” and “Techno-Soukous,” which are more up-tempo. Here is Techo-Soukous star, Awilo Longomba performing his hit — Karolina.

Franco sings “Toyeba Yo” with protege Sam Mangwana — 1970’s

Franco & T.P. O.K. Jazz – “Kimpa Kisangameni” (1983)

The “Sorcerer Of The Guitar” Performs “Bokolo Bana Ya Mbanda Na
Yo Malamu” (1976)

•    Vocals: Franco, Michèl Boyibanda, Josky Kiambukuta, Wuta Mayi
•    Rhythm Guitar: Probably Lutumba Simaro, Possibly Gègè Mangaya
•    Bass: Mpudi Decca
•    Percussions: Bosuma Dessoin or DuPoole
•    Batterie: Ntoya
•    Alst Sax: Dele Pedro

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