François Luambo Makiadi, born in 1938, grew up in what was then the Belgian Congo. François was already on stage as a guitarist at the age of twelve. Three years later he recorded his first single. In 1955 he founded the first version of TPOK Jazz, the band with which he would achieve great success. In 1960 the Belgian Congo became independent. Due to the social unrest that broke out afterwards,
… Franco and his band moved to Belgium. In 1966 the band triumphantly returned to the country now called Zaire. Tours through Africa and Europe confirmed the excellent reputation of Franco and his band. In 1980 Franco was awarded the title of Grand Master of Zairean music by the regime. Despite this, the singer often remained critical of politicians in his lyrics. Franco was one of the first African musicians to convert his success into cash. His death in 1987 plunged Zaire into mourning and all the radio stations played nothing but Franco's music for four days.more
