Franco’s greatest songs fans relish 25 years later

Luambo Luanzo Makiadi, popularly known as Franco, at a performance. Many Kenyan radio stations will dedicate this weekend to the rhumba king who died in 1989. He has a considerable following on the continent. FILE PHOTO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• In a career spanning more than four decades, Luambo Luanzo Makiadi produced hundreds of albums that are still loved by music lovers on the continent.
• From Saturday until the end of next week, radio stations, nightclubs and live bands will be playing Franco’s songs.

By AMOS NGAIRA

Some of the most popular songs to ever come out of the DR Congo, the mecca of African music, were composed by a maestro who died 25 years ago, but is still revered by fans across the continent.

This is the burly band leader, guitarist, composer and vocalist, popularly known as Franco and who fans still excitedly talk about as if he were alive.

As they mark Franco’s 25th death anniversary, we ask: Which five songs do you consider to have been the greatest ever composed by the man, who in his prime, was popularly known as le grand maître (the grand master) of Lingala music?

The lists the fans came up with are fascinating. And there was no consensus.

Those we interviewed include leading Congolese and Kenyan musicians, radio personalities, who for years have played Franco’s music and other ardent fans.

Titles that topped the lists include Azda, Arzoni, Tres Impoli, Mamou, Sandoka, Mujinga, Non, Makambo Ezali Bourreau, Mado and Candidat na Biso Mobutu.

Luambo Luanzo Makiadi, who was born in 1938 in Bas Congo (then lower Congo), made his way to the capital Leopoldville, now Kinshasa, as a gangly youth who would later mesmerise many, including experienced crooners, with his guitar wizardry.

In a career spanning more than 40 years, having begun in 1955, Franco was able to establish himself as perhaps the greatest Congolese musician of all time.

His major rival was Tabu Ley, previously known as Paschal Rocheareu, but the discography of his Afrisa International, though impressive, was nowhere near what Franco and his TP OK Jazz Band produced.

From Saturday until the end of next week, radio stations, nightclubs and live bands will be playing Franco’s songs.

In Kinshasa, though, no major shows are planned. However, veteran guitarist Lutumba Simaro Massiya, a long serving assistant of Franco, will lead his Bana OK band in tribute concerts.

Speaking to the Saturday Nation from Luanda, Angola, Sam Mangwana, another longtime associate of the legend, hinted that he would be teaming up with some colleagues to remember Franco.

Other former members of TP OK Jazz Band contacted earlier this week were the Belgium-based solo guitarist Dizzy Mandjeku and singer Nana Akumu. Nana lived in Kenya for many years.

However, ace singers Josky Kiambukuta and Prince Youlou Mabiala, both living in Paris, have been off the stage due to illnesses.

In Nairobi, there will be a special QFM Rumba Night at the Dream Village Restaurant.

The show will feature performances by resident band Bilenge Musica Du Congo.

Band leader Darzee Kalend said the group had been rehearsing some of Franco’s popular hits like Mario, Pesa Position, Frein a main, Matata ya Mwasi na Mobali and Mado.

Franco’s songs will also be blaring in other clubs, including Citizen Vibro, Club Samba, Egesa and the Simmers Bar and Restaurant.

In Nakuru, it will be Club Samba while in Eldoret, the Signature Club will dedicate the weekend to grand maître Luambo Makiadi.

In Mombasa, singer Crispine Tambwe and his Amitie Musica Band will tonight stage Franco’s special shows at the Zaituni Club in Bamburi.

Veteran broadcaster James Onyango Joel of KBC's “Zilizopendwa” radio programme has nothing but praise for Franco.

“His music always had something new to put across. The songs left a lasting mark,” he says.

Mr Onyango attended Franco’s funeral in Kinshasa in 1989.

Citizen radio man Fred Obachi Machoka says he will dedicate his weekend shows of the popular Roga Roga show to Franco and the TP OK Jazz Band.

Musician Vincent Ongidi  of the Luhya Mama Mulayi hit song fame, says he cherishes most of Franco’s popular songs, including Sanc ya Fabrice, Tokoma ba Camarade Pamba, Kimpa Kisangani and 12,600 Lettres.

“I have listened to his music since my childhood, and he remains my all-time favourite Congolese artiste,” he adds.

For Eliab Kiemo, the weekend will be spent listening to Franco’s hits, the same case for Ms Vivian Achieng of Nairobi.

Mr Samson Jumba, a Thika resident, has a huge collection  of songs by the TP OK Jazz.

Many will remember Franco’s collaboration with his erstwhile rival, Tabu Ley, which yielded the great album Lisanga ya Banganga (unity of music wizards), a reference to the two, who made a big contribution to Congolese music.