Franco Luambo

About

François Luambo Luanzo Makiadi was a Congolese musician. He was a major figure in 20th-century Congolese music, and African music in general, principally as the leader for over 30 years of TPOK Jazz, the most popular and significant African band of its time and arguably of all time. He is referred to as Franco Luambo or simply Franco. Known for his mastery of African Rumba, he was nicknamed by fans and critics “Sorcerer of the Guitar” and the “Grand Maître of Zairean Music”, as well as Franco de Mi Amor by female fans. His most known hit, “Mario”, sold more than 200,000 copies and was certified gold. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked him at number 71 on its list of the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

Albums/Songs:

• Animation Non Stop
• 20ème Anniversaire 6 Juin 1956 – 6 Juin 1976, Volume 2
• Merveilles Du Passé 1957-1958
• Mamou (Tu Vois?) 1984-1985, 1998
• 1980-1982
• Likambo Ya Ngana
• Originalité – The First Recordings of This Legendary Band (1956-57)
• Franco et le tout puissant o.k. jazz
• 1967 / 1968
• Franco joue avec Sam Mangwana
• Monzo 77 / 79
• Franco & Le T.P.O.K. Jazz (1972/1973/1974)
• Mario 2
• Franco Et Le T.P. OK Jazz Presents Madilu System
• En Colere, 1979 – 1980 ( Volume 2)
• 20ème Anniversaire / 6 Juin 1956 – 6 Juin 1976
• Originalité
• Omona Wapi
• Mario
• Le Grand Maitre Franco et son Tout Puissant O.K. Jazz et Jolie Detta
• For Ever
• Se Déchaînent
• Massu (1986-1987-1988)
• 1980-1981
• Disque d’Or et Maracas d’Or 1982

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