Franco Luambo Makiadi
| François Luambo Makiadi | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | François Luambo Luanzo Makiadi |
| Also known as | Franco |
| Born |
July 6, 1938 Sona-Bata, Lukaya District, Belgian Congo (modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
| Died |
October 12, 1989 (aged 51) Mont-Godinne, Province of Namur, Belgium |
| Genres | Rumba |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, guitarist |
| Instruments |
Guitar Vocals |
| Years active | 1950-1980s |
| Associated acts | OK Jazz, TPOK Jazz |
François Luambo Luanzo Makiadi (6 July 1938 – 12 October 1989) was a major figure in twentieth century Congolese music, and African music in general. He is widely referred to as Franco Luambo or, simply, Franco. Known for his mastery of rumba, he was nicknamed the "Sorcerer of the Guitar" for his seemingly effortlessly fluid playing. As a founder of the seminal group OK Jazz, he is counted as one of the originators of the modern Congolese sound.
Formative years
He was born in 1938 in what was then the Belgian Congo. His mother had a market stall in Ngiri-Ngiri, and he played harmonica and other instruments to help attract customers.[1]
In 1955 Franco formed a band that debuted in the OK Bar. The following year the band was renamed OK Jazz in honour of the place it had begun.[2]
The 1980s
In 1980, Franco was named a Grand Master of Zairean music by the Mobutu government, an honor that linked him with the ruling elite that was responsible for much of the economic problems beggaring the country. The subject of his songs shifted dramatically in this period to patriotic songs and praise songs to wealthy fans.
Franco only toured the USA on one occasion, in 1983.[3]
In 1985, Franco released his biggest hit ever, Mario, an account of a gigolo who lives off his older lovers.
He died in 1989, resulting in four days of national mourning in Zaire.[2]
Discography
- Contributing artist
See also
References
- ↑ Al Angeloro (March 2005). "World Music Legends: Franco". Global Rhythm. Zenbu Media. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
- 1 2 "Franco: biography". allmusic. Rovi. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
- ↑ Ted Giola. "The James Brown of Africa (Part One)". Jazz.com. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
Further reading
- Congo Colossus: Life and Legacy of Franco and OK Jazz by Graeme Ewens, Publisher: Buku P. (12 Oct 1994), ISBN 978-0-9523655-0-1
- Gary Stewart (2000). Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos. Verso. ISBN 1859843689.
External links
- Discography of Franco & OK Jazz
- A fan page for Franco and OK Jazz describing events decade by decade
- Franco de Mi Amor, The Village Voice, 2 July 2001
- 1983 Interview with Franco
- The Undying Legend of King of Rumba Music, Luambo Luanzo Makiadi
- Liner notes from Francophonic - Vol. 1: 1953-1980 by Ken Braun / Sterns Music
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