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Remembering Congo's rumba king Remembering Congo's rumba king
(30 minutes later)
By Noel Mwakugu BBC News, KinshasaBy Noel Mwakugu BBC News, Kinshasa
When Franco Luambo Makiadi died 20 years ago, the whole of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire), stood still.When Franco Luambo Makiadi died 20 years ago, the whole of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire), stood still.
I remember he even made one [guitar] out of a tin and strings Franco's aunt Elizabeth MasakaI remember he even made one [guitar] out of a tin and strings Franco's aunt Elizabeth Masaka
The death of the undisputed king of rumba was a shock to millions of people not just in his home country, but across Africa.The death of the undisputed king of rumba was a shock to millions of people not just in his home country, but across Africa.
In his 40-year music career, Franco, as he was commonly known, had more than 100 albums and about a thousand songs to his name.In his 40-year music career, Franco, as he was commonly known, had more than 100 albums and about a thousand songs to his name.
His style of music, a blend of Cuban rumba and authentic Congolese rhythms, wowed both the old and young. His influence can still be heard in Congolese music, which remains popular in nightclubs all over the continent.His style of music, a blend of Cuban rumba and authentic Congolese rhythms, wowed both the old and young. His influence can still be heard in Congolese music, which remains popular in nightclubs all over the continent.
Most of his hits were done in the 1970s but they still get a lot of airplay on Africa's radio stations - and in East Africa most FM stations have dedicated weekly or daily programmes to rumba, thanks to Franco.Most of his hits were done in the 1970s but they still get a lot of airplay on Africa's radio stations - and in East Africa most FM stations have dedicated weekly or daily programmes to rumba, thanks to Franco.
His aunt Elizabeth Masaka, who in her 90s still lives in his home village of Sona Bata in western DR Congo, says from a tender age Franco showed all the signs that he would become a musician.His aunt Elizabeth Masaka, who in her 90s still lives in his home village of Sona Bata in western DR Congo, says from a tender age Franco showed all the signs that he would become a musician.
"As he was growing up he loved playing the guitar very much. I remember he even made one out of a tin and strings - he would carry it along to school and the market where he would entertain his friends," she told the BBC."As he was growing up he loved playing the guitar very much. I remember he even made one out of a tin and strings - he would carry it along to school and the market where he would entertain his friends," she told the BBC.
"I knew he would be a great musician.""I knew he would be a great musician."
School drop-outSchool drop-out
When he moved with his parents to Kinshasa, the young Franco seemed to have already made up his mind to scale the musical heights.When he moved with his parents to Kinshasa, the young Franco seemed to have already made up his mind to scale the musical heights.
I think he sang about what was happening in Kinshasa and at that time no musician was bold enough to do that Franco's first wife Pauline Laumbo In pictures: Congo musicianI think he sang about what was happening in Kinshasa and at that time no musician was bold enough to do that Franco's first wife Pauline Laumbo In pictures: Congo musician
"Franco did not have interest in school so he joined a popular traditional music group - the group leader Papa Dewayu taught him to play the guitar and also compose music," his younger sister Marie Jane remembers."Franco did not have interest in school so he joined a popular traditional music group - the group leader Papa Dewayu taught him to play the guitar and also compose music," his younger sister Marie Jane remembers.
"He later dropped out [of school at 12] and settled for music," she says."He later dropped out [of school at 12] and settled for music," she says.
Franco was inspired by musicians like Henri Bowane, Antoine Wendo and Kalle Kabasele who were big stars in Kinshasa in the 1940s.Franco was inspired by musicians like Henri Bowane, Antoine Wendo and Kalle Kabasele who were big stars in Kinshasa in the 1940s.
He joined their group and perfected his guitar-playing skills. In the 1950s, he became the band leader, renaming the ensemble the TP OK Jazz after the OK Bar where they played.He joined their group and perfected his guitar-playing skills. In the 1950s, he became the band leader, renaming the ensemble the TP OK Jazz after the OK Bar where they played.
However "the Sorcerer of the Guitar", as his fans nicknamed him, was not always popular with the authorities, especially after his hit Luvumbu Ndoki (The Wizard Who Kills People), a veiled reference to Zaire's former leader Mobutu Sese Seko.However "the Sorcerer of the Guitar", as his fans nicknamed him, was not always popular with the authorities, especially after his hit Luvumbu Ndoki (The Wizard Who Kills People), a veiled reference to Zaire's former leader Mobutu Sese Seko.
JailJail
But it was laws banning pornography that landed him and some of his band members in jail in 1979 for the sexually explicit lyrics of the songs Helene, Jacky and Francois.But it was laws banning pornography that landed him and some of his band members in jail in 1979 for the sexually explicit lyrics of the songs Helene, Jacky and Francois.
Franco still influences young Congolese musiciansFranco still influences young Congolese musicians
His first wife Pauline Laumbo says his fearlessness added to his popularity.His first wife Pauline Laumbo says his fearlessness added to his popularity.
"It is difficult to say only one thing inspired him to compose, but he was a social commentator. I think he sang about what was happening in Kinshasa and at that time no musician was bold enough to do that. His style was different.""It is difficult to say only one thing inspired him to compose, but he was a social commentator. I think he sang about what was happening in Kinshasa and at that time no musician was bold enough to do that. His style was different."
In the few interviews that Franco gave to the media he denied using his songs to attack influential politicians or corrupt businessmen; however his outspokenness did force him into exile in Belgium.In the few interviews that Franco gave to the media he denied using his songs to attack influential politicians or corrupt businessmen; however his outspokenness did force him into exile in Belgium.
This turned out to be a blessing as, from his base in Brussels, he released the track Mario - which propelled him to international fame.This turned out to be a blessing as, from his base in Brussels, he released the track Mario - which propelled him to international fame.
The song criticises a lazy young man who earned his living having affairs with wealthy older women.The song criticises a lazy young man who earned his living having affairs with wealthy older women.
MausoleumMausoleum
Other songs that gave Franco and the TP OK Jazz Band a ticket to tour the world were Mamou and Tres Impoli.Other songs that gave Franco and the TP OK Jazz Band a ticket to tour the world were Mamou and Tres Impoli.
He is our Picasso Broadcaster Biyevanga LengemiHe is our Picasso Broadcaster Biyevanga Lengemi
The Congolese still fondly remember their legend and one cannot fail to hear his songs belting from bars and sound systems in the capital.The Congolese still fondly remember their legend and one cannot fail to hear his songs belting from bars and sound systems in the capital.
"He is our Picasso,'' says veteran Congolese broadcaster Biyevanga Lengemi."He is our Picasso,'' says veteran Congolese broadcaster Biyevanga Lengemi.
Yet despite his continuing fame, his family feels the authorities in Kinshasa have not commemorated him properly.Yet despite his continuing fame, his family feels the authorities in Kinshasa have not commemorated him properly.
His only son, Emongo Luambo, says the family plans to exhume his body from the public cemetery in Kinshasa where he was buried after his death in Belgium.His only son, Emongo Luambo, says the family plans to exhume his body from the public cemetery in Kinshasa where he was buried after his death in Belgium.
The club Un Deux Trois where Franco usually performed is still a popular venueThe club Un Deux Trois where Franco usually performed is still a popular venue
"We want to build a mausoleum in Sona Bata where his fans can pay him proper homage and even the youth in Congo can learn more about him," he said."We want to build a mausoleum in Sona Bata where his fans can pay him proper homage and even the youth in Congo can learn more about him," he said.
Marie Jose Jibambuyi, known by her stage name MJTrente, says upcoming Congolese musicians are still influenced by the "Guitar Sorcerer".Marie Jose Jibambuyi, known by her stage name MJTrente, says upcoming Congolese musicians are still influenced by the "Guitar Sorcerer".
She was just a toddler when Franco was at his most famous.She was just a toddler when Franco was at his most famous.
"I believe apart from entertaining, music should also play a role in educating the masses," she says."I believe apart from entertaining, music should also play a role in educating the masses," she says.
"Franco did that and I borrow a lot from him. I do not only sing about love, I also sing about social issues, thanks to Franco.""Franco did that and I borrow a lot from him. I do not only sing about love, I also sing about social issues, thanks to Franco."
What do you remember of Congo's rumba king? Send us your memories, using the postform below.What do you remember of Congo's rumba king? Send us your memories, using the postform below.
Franco was a very powerful musician, in my home country Sierra Leone my father use to own a small recording studio and it always amaze me how people will be trooping into that small shop for his music even though they do not understand what he is saying he was indeed the guitar sorcerer, i remember receiving a hot slap from a customer for not been able to complete his Franco selection on a christmas eve the side A was completed when NPA took what belongs to them i mean the electricity it was a day i will never forget the man has to take his cassette home and bring it back after the holiday for completion. less i forget business was good because of the likes of Franco, rest in peace PAPA FRANCO. Nasiru, Darby, USAFranco was a very powerful musician, in my home country Sierra Leone my father use to own a small recording studio and it always amaze me how people will be trooping into that small shop for his music even though they do not understand what he is saying he was indeed the guitar sorcerer, i remember receiving a hot slap from a customer for not been able to complete his Franco selection on a christmas eve the side A was completed when NPA took what belongs to them i mean the electricity it was a day i will never forget the man has to take his cassette home and bring it back after the holiday for completion. less i forget business was good because of the likes of Franco, rest in peace PAPA FRANCO. Nasiru, Darby, USA
He was simply put the best i discovered Franco after he was already dead. i remember my dad putting his tape when his body was arriving from Belgium to Zaire and included in that film was his old tapes and those amazing girl dancers he was simply the best.Eunice, Marshall town, JohannesburgHe was simply put the best i discovered Franco after he was already dead. i remember my dad putting his tape when his body was arriving from Belgium to Zaire and included in that film was his old tapes and those amazing girl dancers he was simply the best.Eunice, Marshall town, Johannesburg
The first time I saw Franco playing it was in Kenya over 30 years ago in a club near River Rd. I was a very young lad travelling through Africa. I did not know who he was. I was completely shocked. I had the luck to attend again a couple of his concerts in Nairobi and Lusaka before he died. Each was almost 4 hours of real fun and dancing music of excellent quality. The performance of his huge band, playing non stop with musicians rotating and competing, gave me a taste of how it must have been in New Orleans or Kansas City during jazz golden age. To me Franco, when alive, was like the Beatles. Each 3-4 months you would expect a new album full of new, beautiful songs with interesting lyrics, quite different from the previous one. A fresh surprise.Mauro Ghirotti, Khartoum SudanThe first time I saw Franco playing it was in Kenya over 30 years ago in a club near River Rd. I was a very young lad travelling through Africa. I did not know who he was. I was completely shocked. I had the luck to attend again a couple of his concerts in Nairobi and Lusaka before he died. Each was almost 4 hours of real fun and dancing music of excellent quality. The performance of his huge band, playing non stop with musicians rotating and competing, gave me a taste of how it must have been in New Orleans or Kansas City during jazz golden age. To me Franco, when alive, was like the Beatles. Each 3-4 months you would expect a new album full of new, beautiful songs with interesting lyrics, quite different from the previous one. A fresh surprise.Mauro Ghirotti, Khartoum Sudan
I remember the years when i used to hear his music being played from nite clubs in Zimbabwe, in late 70s. I was young then, but i grew up loving his music. When i got my first ever salary in 1987 i bought the albums MARIO and MANOU and his music inspired me to love Congolese music, although most of these artists lack the quality of Franco, Sam Mangwana and Mpongo Love.. His music is still part of my great collection. RIP king Of Rhumba.FREEDOM ZULU, CAIRNS, AUSTRALIAI remember the years when i used to hear his music being played from nite clubs in Zimbabwe, in late 70s. I was young then, but i grew up loving his music. When i got my first ever salary in 1987 i bought the albums MARIO and MANOU and his music inspired me to love Congolese music, although most of these artists lack the quality of Franco, Sam Mangwana and Mpongo Love.. His music is still part of my great collection. RIP king Of Rhumba.FREEDOM ZULU, CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
I have been an avid fan of Franco and his TP Ok Jazz since the early 70s. All along I had been following with great interest all the developments taking place with him and the group. I read his autobiography 'Congo Collossus' within a few hrs and I revise it from time to time. I also watch his videos on youtube and have discovered some of the songs i have never heard before. I still think that Franco is the greatest musician who has ever lived in Africa. His musical abilities and managerial skills which had kept the group together for years (though with updated membership)is rivalled by none. When I heard of his death in 1989, it took me a while to really believe it had happened.Francis Okello, LondonI have been an avid fan of Franco and his TP Ok Jazz since the early 70s. All along I had been following with great interest all the developments taking place with him and the group. I read his autobiography 'Congo Collossus' within a few hrs and I revise it from time to time. I also watch his videos on youtube and have discovered some of the songs i have never heard before. I still think that Franco is the greatest musician who has ever lived in Africa. His musical abilities and managerial skills which had kept the group together for years (though with updated membership)is rivalled by none. When I heard of his death in 1989, it took me a while to really believe it had happened.Francis Okello, London
I remember during the 80s when Franco was invited by the government to perform during one of the celebrations in Nairobi. The event was broadcast live on the national broadcasting station (KBC). My father could not let me listen past 11.00 p.m. So I went to wake up my neighbour who was my friend to get me his radio. Of course I had to promise him that I will buy him new batteries the following day. I listened to the show till the end. My IPod has 200 Franco songs and I am still collecting more. What a music legacy this maestro left behind!James Kioko, Nairobi KenyaI remember during the 80s when Franco was invited by the government to perform during one of the celebrations in Nairobi. The event was broadcast live on the national broadcasting station (KBC). My father could not let me listen past 11.00 p.m. So I went to wake up my neighbour who was my friend to get me his radio. Of course I had to promise him that I will buy him new batteries the following day. I listened to the show till the end. My IPod has 200 Franco songs and I am still collecting more. What a music legacy this maestro left behind!James Kioko, Nairobi Kenya
I was only seven years old when Franco passed on, but i clearly remember my father and his brothers spending the whole evening playing his music and drinking away. When they became drunk, i remember fully grown men singing along to music that wasn't in a language they could speak and shouting "Tirikuchema Franco", meaning "We moan the death of Franco". I am surprised it's already 20 years from his departure.Zee, Harare, ZimbabweI was only seven years old when Franco passed on, but i clearly remember my father and his brothers spending the whole evening playing his music and drinking away. When they became drunk, i remember fully grown men singing along to music that wasn't in a language they could speak and shouting "Tirikuchema Franco", meaning "We moan the death of Franco". I am surprised it's already 20 years from his departure.Zee, Harare, Zimbabwe
My introduction to Franco came courtesy of my dad's trip to Kampala (Uganda), from where he brought home a tape that featured the song "Mario" on one side. While a child I marvelled at how a song could be the entire A side of a cassette tape, not knowing this was probably his biggest hit. In truth I didn't much like the artiste's style, associating such with my father. I would follow my own musical path and only come to truly appreciate Franco's genius in adult life. His music far transcends his 100 or so albums. Where would you get the melancholic sadness of Maya? The cheeky playfulness in Mario? The range (and contrast) of styles from Madilu's heavy tremolo-baritone, to Josky Kiambukuta's high-pitched rhythm, to the haunting (and enduring) sadness from Simaro's songs. This man was a genius, period. I've been privileged to listen to a true colossus of music, not just African.Sam Wanjere, Nairobi, KenyaMy introduction to Franco came courtesy of my dad's trip to Kampala (Uganda), from where he brought home a tape that featured the song "Mario" on one side. While a child I marvelled at how a song could be the entire A side of a cassette tape, not knowing this was probably his biggest hit. In truth I didn't much like the artiste's style, associating such with my father. I would follow my own musical path and only come to truly appreciate Franco's genius in adult life. His music far transcends his 100 or so albums. Where would you get the melancholic sadness of Maya? The cheeky playfulness in Mario? The range (and contrast) of styles from Madilu's heavy tremolo-baritone, to Josky Kiambukuta's high-pitched rhythm, to the haunting (and enduring) sadness from Simaro's songs. This man was a genius, period. I've been privileged to listen to a true colossus of music, not just African.Sam Wanjere, Nairobi, Kenya
Franco has made me love rhumba so much much that some people in my country (Zambia) think I am from Congo DRC. I started to listen to his music at a very young age - my father had LP and single records of this man. I think he has inspired some of us to appreciate the sweet music of DRC. I love slow rhumba esp and still loves mario and Mamou. MHSRIP Alexander Museshyo, LusakaFranco has made me love rhumba so much much that some people in my country (Zambia) think I am from Congo DRC. I started to listen to his music at a very young age - my father had LP and single records of this man. I think he has inspired some of us to appreciate the sweet music of DRC. I love slow rhumba esp and still loves mario and Mamou. MHSRIP Alexander Museshyo, Lusaka
As a young secondary school boy growing up in Kenya we listened and danced to Franco's music on the weekends. A decade earlier my father's generation also used to crowd around the transistor radio listening to Franco's music. Years later I was to attend a live concert by Franco in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Today as father of hip-hop generation teenagers Franco's music still tops my charts. My son maintains a special ITunes playlist labelled "Dad's music" and among the songs are many from Franco that my son also occasionally listens to. Franco not only defined Congolese music to the rest of Africa and the World but his music has transcended generations and will continue to influence generations to come. He is definitely gone but not forgotten, the King still lives on in many hearts!. I am work and listening to Franco's " Kufwa Ntangu".J. Otiso, Rochester, New YorkAs a young secondary school boy growing up in Kenya we listened and danced to Franco's music on the weekends. A decade earlier my father's generation also used to crowd around the transistor radio listening to Franco's music. Years later I was to attend a live concert by Franco in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Today as father of hip-hop generation teenagers Franco's music still tops my charts. My son maintains a special ITunes playlist labelled "Dad's music" and among the songs are many from Franco that my son also occasionally listens to. Franco not only defined Congolese music to the rest of Africa and the World but his music has transcended generations and will continue to influence generations to come. He is definitely gone but not forgotten, the King still lives on in many hearts!. I am work and listening to Franco's " Kufwa Ntangu".J. Otiso, Rochester, New York
When I Left Kenya for Japan in 2006, the only musical CDs I remember to come along with were those bearing my compilation of 140 songs of TPOK Jazz. It will not be normal not to listen to a TPOK Jazz song on any given day. He was in a class in his own!Oyoo E, Ibaraki, JapanWhen I Left Kenya for Japan in 2006, the only musical CDs I remember to come along with were those bearing my compilation of 140 songs of TPOK Jazz. It will not be normal not to listen to a TPOK Jazz song on any given day. He was in a class in his own!Oyoo E, Ibaraki, Japan
Luambo Makiadi Franco I will always remember you as the greatest musician, vocalist and guitarist Africa has ever produced. His music to me it is as though it was sang a few months ago yet it is over twenty years. His music really inspires me a lot, soft and it touches my soul. I remember playing his songs on records when I was a small boy went to audio tapes and today I was watching him on CD singing with the late Madilu what a great rumba grand master Africa lost. It is unfortunate that most of the new generation artists are using computers destroying the culture of playing instruments. Franco you are gone but your music will remain forever and how I wish your son could carry own with your music. I support the idea of building a museum for you and I am ready to contribute in a small way. Aurevoir Grand Maitre.Jerry Mukube Musole, Ndola, ZambiaLuambo Makiadi Franco I will always remember you as the greatest musician, vocalist and guitarist Africa has ever produced. His music to me it is as though it was sang a few months ago yet it is over twenty years. His music really inspires me a lot, soft and it touches my soul. I remember playing his songs on records when I was a small boy went to audio tapes and today I was watching him on CD singing with the late Madilu what a great rumba grand master Africa lost. It is unfortunate that most of the new generation artists are using computers destroying the culture of playing instruments. Franco you are gone but your music will remain forever and how I wish your son could carry own with your music. I support the idea of building a museum for you and I am ready to contribute in a small way. Aurevoir Grand Maitre.Jerry Mukube Musole, Ndola, Zambia
On rentre 'OK' on sort 'KO'. Lisanga ya ba nganga. Les leopards! in a song when Zaïre was participating to FIFA cup 1974. Ok Jazz, ok jazz! Mario tu m'as viré. Mamou is a great title of Franco singing with Jolie Detta.Rober Lito, Brussels BelgiumOn rentre 'OK' on sort 'KO'. Lisanga ya ba nganga. Les leopards! in a song when Zaïre was participating to FIFA cup 1974. Ok Jazz, ok jazz! Mario tu m'as viré. Mamou is a great title of Franco singing with Jolie Detta.Rober Lito, Brussels Belgium
I grew up 3km from the DR Congo border in Kasese (Uganda). Grazing goats in bush, we used to hold music competitions. I was Seignuer Tab Ley and our neighbour's son Hamza was Franco. One day, I did Tab Ley's 'Sorozo' and Hamza did '12600 Letters'. Hamza won the contest but I fought him because he didn't address me as Seignuer (French for Lord). Otherwise Seignuer Tab Ley. I realised that Franco's songs were easy to sing.Asuman Bisiika, Kampala, UgandaI grew up 3km from the DR Congo border in Kasese (Uganda). Grazing goats in bush, we used to hold music competitions. I was Seignuer Tab Ley and our neighbour's son Hamza was Franco. One day, I did Tab Ley's 'Sorozo' and Hamza did '12600 Letters'. Hamza won the contest but I fought him because he didn't address me as Seignuer (French for Lord). Otherwise Seignuer Tab Ley. I realised that Franco's songs were easy to sing.Asuman Bisiika, Kampala, Uganda
Can still recall in 1986 when Franco visited Kisumu and as soon as he strummed his guitar to tune to Mario, the fans came in droves and brought the wall of the stadium down.FRED ORIDO, Nairobi, Kenya.Can still recall in 1986 when Franco visited Kisumu and as soon as he strummed his guitar to tune to Mario, the fans came in droves and brought the wall of the stadium down.FRED ORIDO, Nairobi, Kenya.
When Zaire (Now DR Congo) was going through political turmoil, wars and public funds mismanagement, Congolese could only get a consolation from music. For long, in Congo, the musicians have contributed to a psychological well being of Congolese people as they were being ignored by the politicians. Luambo is one of the bests, I grew up listening to his music and as a proof I memorised 90% of all his songs lyrics. I hope that his family will benefit from his loyalties. His songs have a purpose and the purpose is a good and strong morality. Franco wanted people to be considerate in their approach and avoid hurting each other and love one another.Jean-Paul Benda, UK, LondonWhen Zaire (Now DR Congo) was going through political turmoil, wars and public funds mismanagement, Congolese could only get a consolation from music. For long, in Congo, the musicians have contributed to a psychological well being of Congolese people as they were being ignored by the politicians. Luambo is one of the bests, I grew up listening to his music and as a proof I memorised 90% of all his songs lyrics. I hope that his family will benefit from his loyalties. His songs have a purpose and the purpose is a good and strong morality. Franco wanted people to be considerate in their approach and avoid hurting each other and love one another.Jean-Paul Benda, UK, London
I remember being a little boy and my mother will put me on her back while cleaning the house and listening to Franco. Many of us young Congolese in particular and African in general got introduced to his music through our parents. I still play his classic hits like Mario whenever I'm thinking about the motherland and brings back a lot of memories. I hope the Congolese government will officially recognize and give Franco the respect that he deserves. Fabrice L. Londeke, Pembroke, United States Of AmericaI remember being a little boy and my mother will put me on her back while cleaning the house and listening to Franco. Many of us young Congolese in particular and African in general got introduced to his music through our parents. I still play his classic hits like Mario whenever I'm thinking about the motherland and brings back a lot of memories. I hope the Congolese government will officially recognize and give Franco the respect that he deserves. Fabrice L. Londeke, Pembroke, United States Of America
His music was brilliant and the message was always of reality (Mamou, Ngungi, Mario, PDG, Lisanga ya ba nganga, &...) I still play all these songs almost every weekend. Musique ya Franco ekotikala na mitema na biso mpo na libela (Translation: His music will remain in our heart forever)Dacquin, LondonHis music was brilliant and the message was always of reality (Mamou, Ngungi, Mario, PDG, Lisanga ya ba nganga, &...) I still play all these songs almost every weekend. Musique ya Franco ekotikala na mitema na biso mpo na libela (Translation: His music will remain in our heart forever)Dacquin, London
Franco was a great man. Our former president Moi used to invite him during our independence celebrations and Franco could entertain the whole country thru our national broadcasting station. I still enjoy his music.Bernard Kisia, Nairobi, KenyaFranco was a great man. Our former president Moi used to invite him during our independence celebrations and Franco could entertain the whole country thru our national broadcasting station. I still enjoy his music.Bernard Kisia, Nairobi, Kenya
I first heard Franco's music by chance on Andy Kershaw's world music radio show almost 15 years ago. I was immediately hooked and it led me to discover a whole new world of African music. I'm still enchanted by the Rumba sound and still in love with African music. And that's down to Franco. Roy White, Andover, UKI first heard Franco's music by chance on Andy Kershaw's world music radio show almost 15 years ago. I was immediately hooked and it led me to discover a whole new world of African music. I'm still enchanted by the Rumba sound and still in love with African music. And that's down to Franco. Roy White, Andover, UK
FRANCO IS STILL THE BEST MY IPHONE IS LOADED WITH HIS MUSIC. MADILU VS FRANCO KILLED THE COMPETITION..EVEN THOUGH I WAS STILL A YOUNG ONE I CAN STILL REMEMBER MY PARENTS PLAYING THE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND AND NOW I AM PLAYINGALLAN OCHI, kenyaFRANCO IS STILL THE BEST MY IPHONE IS LOADED WITH HIS MUSIC. MADILU VS FRANCO KILLED THE COMPETITION..EVEN THOUGH I WAS STILL A YOUNG ONE I CAN STILL REMEMBER MY PARENTS PLAYING THE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND AND NOW I AM PLAYINGALLAN OCHI, kenya
Franco was a great musician that up to now I find his music very entertaining - whether you are in bad mood or good mood it just sets you on! From his history he truly worked hard and was consistent with his music. Indeed, he will live on through his music.....Anne, Lusaka, ZambiaFranco was a great musician that up to now I find his music very entertaining - whether you are in bad mood or good mood it just sets you on! From his history he truly worked hard and was consistent with his music. Indeed, he will live on through his music.....Anne, Lusaka, Zambia
Luambo Makiadi Franco was and is the Bob Marley of The Congo, he wrote very powerful music that only the wise men could understand, this of course did put him in trouble with the political system of the time. Franco did not have Borders from eldest to youngest, from Congo to Belgium , from South Africa To North, his music was and is still enjoyed by so many. And when it comes to his style of playing the Guitare, although we have so many talents in the Congo we have not found a new Franco yet. My messages to the Congolese Stars is please you need a bit of inspiration from Franco as way of paying him respect.MBOKA EZO ZIKA, londonLuambo Makiadi Franco was and is the Bob Marley of The Congo, he wrote very powerful music that only the wise men could understand, this of course did put him in trouble with the political system of the time. Franco did not have Borders from eldest to youngest, from Congo to Belgium , from South Africa To North, his music was and is still enjoyed by so many. And when it comes to his style of playing the Guitare, although we have so many talents in the Congo we have not found a new Franco yet. My messages to the Congolese Stars is please you need a bit of inspiration from Franco as way of paying him respect.MBOKA EZO ZIKA, london
Oh Franco!! There's none like him, genius loves company and in Fela and Hugh Masekela he found the best. The three kings who forever rule African Music. My grandfather listened to Franco, my dad still does, I can't think of a better performer and my kids will be bred on the grand master. Vincent Odhiambo, Nairobi KenyaOh Franco!! There's none like him, genius loves company and in Fela and Hugh Masekela he found the best. The three kings who forever rule African Music. My grandfather listened to Franco, my dad still does, I can't think of a better performer and my kids will be bred on the grand master. Vincent Odhiambo, Nairobi Kenya
Franco Luambo Makiadi song's reminds me my youth time at a Arusha town in northern Tanzania when he came to Tanzania and the Arusha studium was over crowded with old, young and children, women and men. I remember him very well put on a long gaun, very humbled man, with great personality. His music was the King of Rumba in Africa. I have listed to this clip of Mario on BBC and its gave me a extra strong feelings about my home and my people whom we were shared his great legency. God blessing him and his soul shall prevail in African music. HE WAS GREAT!!!David , KristiansandFranco Luambo Makiadi song's reminds me my youth time at a Arusha town in northern Tanzania when he came to Tanzania and the Arusha studium was over crowded with old, young and children, women and men. I remember him very well put on a long gaun, very humbled man, with great personality. His music was the King of Rumba in Africa. I have listed to this clip of Mario on BBC and its gave me a extra strong feelings about my home and my people whom we were shared his great legency. God blessing him and his soul shall prevail in African music. HE WAS GREAT!!!David , Kristiansand
i was introduced to Francos music by my elder brother. i was only about 7 years old and ive been hooked ever since. simply put, Franco to me remains the best rumba musician of all time. I believe Franco used to plan his music before releasing it unlike what we see with most musicians nowadays. I cant believe 20 years have already gone by since his demise. We miss you Le Grand Maestro! Ali Salim Ireri, Malindi, Kenyai was introduced to Francos music by my elder brother. i was only about 7 years old and ive been hooked ever since. simply put, Franco to me remains the best rumba musician of all time. I believe Franco used to plan his music before releasing it unlike what we see with most musicians nowadays. I cant believe 20 years have already gone by since his demise. We miss you Le Grand Maestro! Ali Salim Ireri, Malindi, Kenya
Franco was huge in Cameroon too. Mario was one of my late mother's favourite songs. It is now one of my favourite songs too. Franco lives on.Emmanuel Nuesiri, Oxford, UKFranco was huge in Cameroon too. Mario was one of my late mother's favourite songs. It is now one of my favourite songs too. Franco lives on.Emmanuel Nuesiri, Oxford, UK
Franco will never be forgotten in Southern Sudan; Mamou and Mario are some his best hits which will always remain in our homes forever. We shall all time be his fans.Andy Murusal, Khartoum, SudanFranco will never be forgotten in Southern Sudan; Mamou and Mario are some his best hits which will always remain in our homes forever. We shall all time be his fans.Andy Murusal, Khartoum, Sudan
When i hear african music i always remember Franco he is the ultimate musician. i was introduced to franco's music by way of Colombia university radio program Afro Pop in new york city. I think some one must start to build a musical museum in his honour. i will be the first to contribute in his honour. Because music is against war.micheal alazar, eritreaWhen i hear african music i always remember Franco he is the ultimate musician. i was introduced to franco's music by way of Colombia university radio program Afro Pop in new york city. I think some one must start to build a musical museum in his honour. i will be the first to contribute in his honour. Because music is against war.micheal alazar, eritrea
When I read this tribute I am shocked to realise indeed it now 20 years since the passing away of Luambo Luanzo Makiadi, popularily known as Franco. My laptop is full of his songs. The songs are as new as as when they were played, so good as though life never can come to an end. The name T.P. OK Jazz were the same thing. The music was and remains unique. Rumba dance and Franco's music made many couples marry. Franco's music is for the soul and rumba dance is for the preservation of the human spirit. Oh Franco!, He lives and lives, and for ever he will live. Eresu John, Kaberamaido, UgandaWhen I read this tribute I am shocked to realise indeed it now 20 years since the passing away of Luambo Luanzo Makiadi, popularily known as Franco. My laptop is full of his songs. The songs are as new as as when they were played, so good as though life never can come to an end. The name T.P. OK Jazz were the same thing. The music was and remains unique. Rumba dance and Franco's music made many couples marry. Franco's music is for the soul and rumba dance is for the preservation of the human spirit. Oh Franco!, He lives and lives, and for ever he will live. Eresu John, Kaberamaido, Uganda
Franco played most of his music when I was still young. I used to listen to his music on our National Hi-Fi radio. But when I grew up I loved his music and bought many of his audio tapes. Just like Lucky Dube, he left an indelible contribution on the music scene. His music with Sam Mangwana still make my days. I miss him.J G Okello Mang'oli, Busia, UgandaFranco played most of his music when I was still young. I used to listen to his music on our National Hi-Fi radio. But when I grew up I loved his music and bought many of his audio tapes. Just like Lucky Dube, he left an indelible contribution on the music scene. His music with Sam Mangwana still make my days. I miss him.J G Okello Mang'oli, Busia, Uganda
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