Franco Luambo Makiadi: How 'the Sorcerer of the Guitar' Dominated Rhumba Music Charts in Africa for 30 Years
Franco Luambo Makiadi was for 30 plus years Africa's most popular and influential musician. For 30 years, Kenyapagenet blog archives, he thoroughly dominated the music charts all over Africa while producing almost 150 albums most of which topped the charts.
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| Legendary Congolese musician Franco Luambo Makiadi Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group |
He sang praises and also denounced certain individuals whose behaviour he considered disagreeable. Indeed Franco's words amounted to the gospel for most Congolese people. His lyrics often landed him in trouble with the authorities as is evidenced by his two stints in jail.
He was dubbed "The sorcerer of the guitar" for his exceptional guitar stringing skills. But it was his ability as a bandleader and organizer that put him a cut above the rest.
He also earned several other nicknames and titles such as "Le Grande Maitre" .For over 30 years his band maintained its position as the most influential band on the continent despite several departures and defections of certain influential members.
Now more than a decade after his death, his music is still extremely popular among Congolese and Africans in general, which is a testament to its quality. While other bands and musicians come and go as fads and dance styles change, his music has remained close to the heart of several people , many of whom do not understand the language. His legacy is eternal.
Related:
The Origin of Africa's G.O.A.T Rhumba Band, TPOK Jazz
What Made Franco Luambo the Greatest of All Times Rhumba Music Icon?
There is not a single African musician who can claim popularity anywhere close to what Franco had. His music transcended generations. It was the kind of music which parents and their children could listen to and enjoy. The volume of his discography is incredible. He released upwards of 150 albums, many of which are still best sellers.
Biography
He was born Francois Luambo Makiadi on July 6 1938 in the village of Sona-Bata , in the Bas Zaire region. His father , Joseph Emongo was a railroad worker while his mother sold home made bread at the local market.
He began his musical career at a tender age. By age 7, he had already built his first home made guitar. He played the guitar to attract customers to his mother's market stall.
His musical talent was first tapped by guitarist Paul Ebengo Dewayon who took him under his wing and taught him the subtleties of guitar playing. Franco made his professional debut in Dewayon's Watam band at age 12.
While at the band He wowed audiences with his exemplary guitar skills while playing a guitar which was almost as big as himself. He cut his first solo record titled Bolingo na ngai na Beatrice ( my love for Beatrice) in 1953.
In 1956 along with Jean Serge Essous , He formed the band OK Jazz which was later to be renamed TPOK Jazz. Two years later when Essous left the band, He took over as band leader and never looked back.
The band grew from the original 6 members to over 50 members 30 years later. For over 30 years He recorded prolifically and performed for audiences the world over, while maintaining a distinct style.
His band dominated the charts and produced over 150 albums most of which sold over 50,000 copies. Franco had several marriages which resulted in 18 children of which 17 were girls.
He died on October 12 1989 leaving a huge legacy Today, several decades after his passing, Franco and TP OK Jazz songs remain among the most popular songs based on CD sales and radio play.