Franco Luambo Makiadi: Remembering the Congolese music legend 37 years on
Legendary Congolese musician Franco Luambo Makiadi
Congolese maestro Franco Luambo Makiadi’s legacy lives on in his great Lingala music, with the 37th anniversary of his death in Belgium set to be marked next Monday.
As in previous years, no major shows have been planned, with fans expected to celebrate Franco Luambo Makiadi’s enduring musical legacy largely through online tributes.
It will also be an opportunity to regale music lovers with some of his most popular songs. In a career spanning over 40 years, Franco established himself as one of the major stalwarts of the popular Congolese music genre. This was mainly through his TPOK Jazz Band, founded in the mid-1950s.
Starting Monday and running into next weekend, radio stations, clubs, and live bands will be celebrating his musical prowess.
legendary Congolese musician Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi.
Franco recorded mega songs, which are well known, even to youth today, so many years after his death. They include Azda, the classic advert that promoted a Volkswagen dealership, Fabrice, Candidat Mobutu Sese Seko and 12, 600 lettres.
Though most of the former members of the TPOK Jazz Band may be gone, a few are still active.
Others who played with Franco and are still active in Europe include guitarists Michelino and singer Wuta Mayi. Also, the Angola-based veteran singer, Sam Mangwana, popularly known as Le Pigeon Voyageur for his footloose tendencies, is remembered for having done the last recording with Franco titled For Ever in early 1989. He died in a Belgian hospital on October 12 that year.
Speaking recently to the Saturday Nation, Mangwana said he cherished the memory of having done the last recording with Franco. “It was an honour having performed with both Franco and Tabu Ley, who were inspirational in my long career,” he said.
In another development, all is set for the golden jubilee celebration of veteran broadcast media personality Fred Obachi Machoka’s immaculate career. It will be held today at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. Various leading African artistes, among them Cameroonian Sam Fan Thomas, Congolese superstars Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel, are expected to attend the event. Others are members of Les Wanyika band, Veterans X- Comms Band and a host of rhumba fans of all ages. They are gearing up for the event that will start at 3pm until late at night.
In Nyeri County, a special variety show will be held today in Tetu, Kinunga, during the launch of Muti Ini Ngogoyo & Sports Lounge. It will feature music and dance. The chief guest will be Kamau wa Kang’ethe.
According to Mr Wamariu, the event organiser, it will be an opportunity for revellers from Nyeri and its environs to enjoy music at the new entertainment spot.
“Come and experience a day of great taste, beautiful moments and exceptional vibes as we launch the new spot,” Mr Wamariu said.
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