In Memorium - Franco Luambo Makiadi (RIP)

He needs very little introduction
Hands down the greatest African Musician and big Band and Leader …

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François Luambo Luanzo Makiadi (6 July 1938 – 12 October 1989) was a Congolese mega musician.
He was a major figure in 20th-century Congolese music and the leader of TPOK Jazz for over 30 years , the most popular and significant African band 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”.

His best known hit , “Mario” , sold more than 3 million copies and was instantly certified gold.

Rest with the Angels , Papa
We Miss You So Much ++… :sob::sob::sparkles::sparkles::guitar::guitar:

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Live Concert in Utrecht , Holland - 1987.

At the time , TPOK Jazz was made up of about 46 top Musicians and Dancers.

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The jazz-type music from the band TPOK Jazz is pure greatness.

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TPOK Jazz had over 100 famous members over the first 38 years of its existence.

The list of band members reads like a “Congolese Music Hall of Fame Inductees”.

Many members came and went , with many of those who left coming back , some on more than one occasion.

Here are some of the members of the band since it’s inception

1.Francois Luambo Makiadi
2.Aime Kiwakana
3.Empompo Loway
4.Henri Bowane
5.Isaac Musekiwa
6.Jean Serge Essous
7.Josky Kiambukuta Londa
8.Lola Checain
9.Bualu Madilu System
10.Malage de Lugendo
11.Mayaula Mayoni
12.Michelino Mavatiku Visi
13.Michel Boyibanda
14.Mose Fan Fan
15.Mpudi Decca
16.Pepe Ndombe Opetum
17.Papa Noel Nedule
18.Philippe Lando Rossignol
19.Rondot Kassongo
20.Sam Mangwana
21.Saturnin Pandi
22.Simaro Lutumba Massiya
23.Kiamuangana Mateta Verkeys
24.Vicky Longomba
25.Wuta Mayi
26.Youlou Mabiala
27.Zitani Dalienst Ya Ntesa
28.Albino Kalombo
29.Moniania Roitelet
30.Camille Feruzi
31.De La Lune
32.Diatho Lukoko
33.Dizzy Madjeku
34.Djo Mpoyi
35.Edouard Lutula
36.Gege Mangaya
37.Gerry Dialungana
38.Hubert Dihunga Djeskin
39.Jean Malapet
40.Jean Tashamala Piccolo
41.Jeef Mingiedi
42.Kwamy Munsi
43.La Monta LiBerlin
44.Leon Bolhen Bombolo
45.Lunuma Mbemba
46.Sax Matalanza
47.Mulamba Joseph Mujos
48.Nestor Diangani
49.Ngiandu Kanza
50.Nyoya Fwala
51.Paul Ebengo Dewayon
52.Pedro Dele
53.Thierry Mantuika Kobi
54.Adamo Seye Kadimoke
55.Alphone Epayo
56.Antoine Armando Brazzos
57.Baniel Bambo
58.Barami Miranda
59.Celestin Kouka
60.Christophe Djali
61.Edo Nganga
62.Flavien Makabi Mingini
63.Celi Bitchoumanou
64.Georges Kiamuangana Mateta Verkeys
65.Guillaume Mbembe
66.Jean-Felix Pouela
67.Jolie Detta
68.Kapitena Kasongo
69.Kiesse Diambu Ya Ntessa
70.Kongi Aska
71.Lassa Carlito
72.Makonko Kindudi Makos
73.Milanda Barami
74.Monogi Mopia
75.Francoise Mpongo Love
76.Nana Akumu
77.Bosuma Bakili Dessoin
78.Simon Moke
79.Tchandala Kosuana
80.Vieux Kalloux
81.Dénis Bonyeme
82.Lokombe Ntal
83.Denise Yondo Sister Kusala

++++

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Jolie detta the only female member

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Ndio hao legends

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Actually there were 3 …

  • Jolie Detta who later joined L’Och Anti Choc of Benz Bozi Boziana.
  • Nana Akumu.
  • Baniel Bambo.
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Siiiet.

Will never be recreated

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My favorite female vocalists are :-

-Scola Miel Nzawissa
-Deesee Mukangi
-Jolie Detta
-Betty Sumbu
-Meje Jose
-Fayila Pasira

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Still enjoys the music. In our high School days this music was considered ya washamba.
But nilipofika Europe kusoma thats when we really came to appreciate this guy. Alitukubusha nyumbani.

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Live in Abidjan - 1980.
Amazing Guitar Solo …!!! :star_struck::fire:

Locataire”.

Vocals: Franco , “Le Comandant” Josky Kismbukuta Londa , Pepe Ndombe Opetum.
Guitars: Franco , Gerry Dialungana , Gege Mangaya.

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Mario”:

Lead Vocalist: Bialu Madilu Multi-System

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@Yugni
@Abba
@Delsa
@Lionheart

We Will Always Remember You - Maestro
You Entertained Us
You Educated Us
You bought Pure Joy into our Hearts

Wishing You Eternal Rest in Paradise
Until We Meet Again

R.I.P. Maestro:sob: :sob: :pray: :sparkles: :tada:

:sparkles: :sparkles: :sparkles:

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RIP Diatho Lukoki who was the composer of this song.

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:sparkles:

“Bolingo Ya Moitie Moitie” - Diatho Lukoki , Franco & TPOK Jazz.

He passed away on 13th July 2024 and was buried on 27th July 2024 in Antwerp, Belgium.

He was a soft spoken background Vocalist / Composer who cooperated with many other famous Vocalists and Bands.

May he rest in Eternal Peace +++ :sob: :sob: :pray: :sparkles:.
.

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Franco introducing his TPOK JAZZ band members one by one and the role they play.

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There were three. Baniel, Nana Akumu and Detta. She only did two songs i.e Massu and Layile. Most female songs were done by Akumu and Baniel

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Boyibanda died two days ago while Lola Checain died a few months ago.

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“Testament Ya Bowule” ( Acoustic Version )
Vocals : Malage de Lugendo
Guitar : “Le Poete” Lutumba Simaro Massiya (RIP)

This is , hands down , the BEST Vocal performance by Malege De Lugendo …!!

In "Testament ya Bowule’” Simaro Lutumba Massiya crafted the spirit of a dead person (Jose Bowule) travelling to Heaven.
It’s “Jose Bowule’s Eulogy”, and Simaro is saying everything that needs to be said about death.

TESTAMENT YA BOWULE - SIMARO LUTUMBA.
( ENGLISH LYRICS TRANSLATION ).

Oh Nzambé
(Oh God)
Osala bomowi bwa moto
(you have created life)
Moto akoya ko kutana na malade
(People become ill)
Mondelé pe asali kisi po moto abika
(White men makes medications, For people to heal)
Vraiment soki ezalaki po na mbongo ndé Bowulé a kufi té
(Really, If it was only for money, Bowule wouldn’t have died)
Po famille asali nioso
(Because the family did everything)
Nzambé , pona nini liwa ?
(God, why death)
Ah somo, na ndimaki té, hum
(Ah scary, I didn’t believe, um)

Testament… ba ndeko na kotanga na ko zongela eh
(Testament, fellows I am reading and rereading it)
Maloba ya Bowulé baninga na kotanga nako lela eh
(The will that Bowule wrote, friends, I am reading while crying)
Nazangi na mokili oh ba famille bosali nga mabé
(I lost… family, you have done me wrong)
Massiya na sala fielé wapi oh mokili esilisi nga lolendo lelo na ndimi
(Massiya, how can I show off, the joke is on me)

Testatement… ba ndeko na kotanga na ko zongela eh
(Testament, fellows, I am reading and rereading it)
Maloba ya Bowulé baninga na kotanga nako lela eh
(The will that Bowule wrote, friends, I am reading while crying)
Nazangi na mokili oh binemi bo liesi nga poison
(I lost… rivals, you fed me with poison)
Luambo na sala fielé wapi oh mokili esilisi nga lolendo lelo na ndimi
(Luambo, how can I show off, the joke is on me)

Liwa ya Bowulé sango lokola nkaké na motoyi eh
(The death of Bowule was like a lightning sound in my ear)
Epesi nga liboma, na zangi likambo nga na sala
(I went crazy not knowing what to do)
Mbongo eloko pamba, ekoki ko somba liwa te
(Money is useless, it cannot purchase death)

Ya Bowulé… lobi na pasi otali nga oseki
(Ya Bowule oh, yesterday while you were ill you looked at me and laugh)
Opekisi nga ko lela eh, kasi olakaki nga okobika
(You stopped me from crying, and you promised to me that you will be well)
Nzoka oyebaki ozali kokende
(Whereas you knew that you were about to die)
Okosi nga nde ko kosa, nakeyi kolala yo okati motema
(You lied to me, While I was asleep, you passed away)
Ata liloba ya suka, Josée yo méchante mama
(Without saying a last word, Jose you are bad)

Ya Bowulé lobi na pasi otali nga oleli
(Ya Bowule oh, yesterday while ill, you looked at me and cried)
Obombeli nga sekele oh kasi oyebaki oko kufa
(You kept the secret, you knew that you will die)
Olobi na nga na kende kolala eh
(You told me to go to sleep)
Okosi nga nde ko kosa, sima na nga y’okati motema
(You lied to me, you died while I was gone)
Olingaki na zala te, Josée yo méchante mama
(You didn’t want me to be there, Jose, you are bad)

Ya Josée oh Bowulé osali ngaï mabé
(Ya Jose oh and Bowule you have done me wrong)
Ngaï Mathy eh na somba ndeko na mboka nini oh
(Me, Mati eh, where can I purchase a relative)
Baninga nioso moto na ndeko nayé
(All friends have relatives)
Josée osilisi nga lolendo eh na lala wapi oh mama
(Jose you have removed my pride, what can I do)

Nzela ya Bruxelles, Paris na Rome bako tuna ngaï
(Brussels, Paris and Rome are asking me)
Nako zanga eyano liloba nini otiki na yebisa bango ngaï mayi na miso eh Josée
(I have nothing to say to them, What do you want me to tell them, I am crying, Jose)
Ya Bowulé oh butu ya lundi na moni yo na ndoto
(Ya Bowule oh, you appeared in my dream on Monday night)
Olati kitoko eh pe osalisi feti ya mo néné sima ya mwa ngonga obengi nga pembeni eh
(You were well dress and gave a big party, After a while, you called me on the side)
Olakisi nga nde bana kasi oboyi kotala nga na miso
(You showed me the kids, but you didn’t want to look me in the eyes)
Bowulé na nga osiliki nzoka ndoto ya mokouya mama ah
(My Bowule, you were upset, it was a bad dream)

Ya Bowulé oh mardi na midi oyambi nga na koseka
(Ya Bowule oh, you greeted me with a laugh on Tuesday)
Yo na pasi ya liwa kasi olingaki ngaï na yeba te oh
(You knew that you will die but you didn’t tell me)
Olobi na nga oyoki mwa nzala eh, na lambela yo pepe soupou
(You told me that you were hungry, ordered some soup)
Nakeyi ko lamba sima okati motema
(While I was gone, you passed away)
Olingaki na zala te liwa eyoki nga soni mama
(You didn’t want me to be there, death was shy)

Bowulé na ngaï eh butu wana kutu na lalaki te oh
(My Bowule, I didn’t sleep that night)
Ba mboua ba kolela eh suki ekomi ko telema
(Dogs were barking, my hair straightened)
Sima ya mwa ngonga ba beti ndanko eh
(After a while I head knocks on the door)
Nake mbangou ko fongola na moni famille mobimba ba ko lela
(I rushed to open it, I saw the whole family crying)
Bowulé na nga okufi Bowulé okosi nga eh mama
(My Bowule, you are dead, you lied to me)

Bowulé na ngaï eh butu wana kutu na lalaki te oh
(My Bowule, I didn’t sleep that night)
Ba ndoto mabé oh nase ya pongi nakomi ko nganga
(The night was full of bad dream I began to shout)
Sima ya mwa ngonga ba beti ndango eh
(After a while, I head knocks on my door)
Nake mbangou ko fongola na kuti famille mobimba ba ko lela
(I rushed to open it, I found the whole family crying)
Bowulé na nga okufi Bowulé oboyi biso eh mama
(My Bowule, you are dead, Bowule you don’t want us anymore)

Ya Bowulé oh mardi na midi oyambi nga na koseka
(Ya Bowule oh, at noon on Tuesday, you greeted me with a laugh)
Yo na pasi ya liwa kasi olingaki ngaï na yeba te oh
(You were fighting with death but you didn’t want me to know)
Olobi na nga oyoki mwa nzala eh, na lambela yo pepe soupou
(You told me that you were hungry, ordered some soup)
Nakeyi ko lamba sima okati motema
(I went to cook and you died while I was gone)
Olingaki na zala te, Josée oyoki nga soni mama ah
(You didn’t want me to be there, Jose you were shy)

Malou ya lumambé na Bowulé botiki Suza nako lela
(Malu ya Lumambe and Bowule you left Suza crying)
A zangi ba camarades, moziki 100 kilos balati nde mokouya
(She lost friends, Rebate 100 kilos has lost someone)
Liwa ezaki nzela ya moto nioso eh bino boweli kokende
(Everyone dies, you have preceded us)
Mboka bokeyi biso to yebi te oh
(We don’t know the town that you went to)
Bo bombela biso esika mokolo toko ya oh Malou na Bowulé oh
(Malu and Bowule, save places for us)

Ba mama ya Fekoza eh likambo lizwinga lileki mo néné
(Team FECOZA, I am faced with a with a problem)
B’ami ya Matongé likambo lizwinga epesi nga liboma eh
(Friends from Matonge, this problem drives me crazy)
Moziki 100 kilos likambo lizwinga eleki nga nzoto
(Rabate 100 Kilos, this problem is too much)
Kusala ema Lusansou likambo ekomisi nga zoba
(Kosala Emma Lusansu this problem drives me crazy)
Nga ma Josée mwana ya nsuka nakota 100 kilos likolo na yo eh
(Me, Ma Jose last born, I gained 100 Kilos because of you)
Nakomi ko mi tuna eh soki na se ya liwa toko kutanaka
(I begin to wonder if people meet again after death)
Est-ce que nako mona Bowulé lisusu atiki liloba te oh Josée wa ba santu mama
(Will I see Bowule again, she didn’t leave any instruction)

Oh yahweh
(Oh God)
Ndengué osala biso otinda biso awa na mokili
(we all have preferences, you sent us to this world)
Moto na moto azali na lingomba na yé a sambelaka
(Each person is part of a particular religion)
Ba mosusu basambelaka na Catholique
(Some people are Catholic)
Ba mosusu na mission Protestante
(Some Protestant)
Ba mosusu na Armée du salut
(Some Salvation Army)
Ba mosusu na ba Musulmans
(Some Muslim)
Ba mosusu na Kimbanguiste
(Some Kimbanguist)
Ba mosusu na Mpevé ya longo
(Some Mpeve Ya Longo)
Ba mosusu na Mahikari
(Some Maikari)

Nzambé ndengué to yokaka mangomba nioso wana na tangi
(God we hear that, all these religions)
Bayebi que soki moto a kufi ba yebi epayi moto akendeke
(Know where we go when we die)
Est-ce que Yahweh okoki ko yebisa bango mokolo mosusu
(God, can you ask them to tell us one day)
Ba yebisa biso epayi to kendeke té ?
(Where we go)
Nzambé po to yebi epayi to wutaka te mais to yeba quand meme epayi tokendeke
(God, we don’t know where we come from, can we know at least where we go next)
Oko mona mwasi na mobali ba vandi
(You will see a couple together)
Moko na bango akeyi, oyo ako tikala nzoto be ko kondo ko kondo
(One of them dies, the one who will stay alive carry on losing weight)
Mikolo eko leka te alandi moninga
(Few day later he / she also dies)
Nzambé mawa
(God it’s sad)
Toyebi epayi tokendeke te
(We don’t know where we go)
Nzambé, to yaka ko tala obe yo
(God, we rely on you)
Bowulé pesela biso mboté na bango banso oyo to yebi oyo bakendè
(Bowule greet everyone who has died)
Bino ba Angelus bato bozali pene pene ya Nzambé bo yebisela biso ye té ?
On our behalf, you angels, the people who are closer to God, why don’t you talk to him
ah pitié
(Ah sad)

:sob: :sob: :pray: :sparkles: :sparkles:

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mpongo love na simaro litumba walikuwa tpok?

in that case, nani hakukuwa tpok? :green_emoji: :green_emoji:

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TpOK was a great team. I don’t know much of their individual histories, but the music was something to treasure. Hata hawa wanaitambua

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