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20 years ago today Congolese legend Franco died

On 12 October 1989 Kinshasa came to a standstill as Congolese legend Franco Luambo Makiadi died and the world lost a true Pan-African superstar. A legendary guitarist and one of the most influential band-leaders of his generation, Franco and his band TPOK dominated the music scene across West Africa and beyond for over 30 years, touring worldwide. Playing syncopated Congolese rumba and later soukous, Franco wrote some of the most enduring pop songs in African music including the 1985 hit ‘Mario’. Famed for their impeccable tailoring, gorgeous vocal harmonies and liquid guitars, Franco’s TPOK often courted controversy with nuanced lyrics on politics and society. His last solo composition ‘Attention Na Sida’ was released in 1987. A giant of African music, Franco’s influence is still a powerful force, twenty years after his death.

Franco & TPOK Jazz: Francophonic vol. 2 1980-1989 is released today by Sterns www.sternsmusic.com

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