Franco Luambo
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François Luambo Luanzo Makiadi was a Congolese guitarist, singer-songwriter, bandleader, and cultural revolutionary. He was a central figure in 20th-century Congolese and African music, principally as
A young Franco Luambo playing guitar in Léopoldville in 1956
A young Franco in Léopoldville, 1956
Drummer of OK Jazz in Léopoldville
Franco (right), Isaac Musekiwa (left), and Joseph "Mujos" Mulama in Léopoldville, c. 1963
Congolese rumba
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Congolese rumba, also known as African rumba or Rumba Lingala, is a dance music genre originating in the modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo and, in particular, the a
Franco Luambo
…of TPOK Jazz, the most popular and influential African band of its time. He is referred to as Franco Luambo or simply Franco. Known for his mastery of Congolese 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…
Bakolo Music International, a Congolese rumba band during a rehearsal in Kinshasa
A member of the Kinshasa-based band Konono Nº1 playing the likembe, a traditional thumb piano.
A Congolese rumba group performing in Léopoldville
Nico Kasanda leading the African Fiesta Sukisa orchestra