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TPOK Jazz

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TPOK Jazz
Members of OK Jazz in Brussels, 1961
Background information
Also known asOK Jazz
OriginBelgian Congo
Republic of Congo
Zaire
GenresCongolese Rumba
Years active1956 (1956)–1993

OK Jazz, later renamed TPOK Jazz (short for Tout Puissant Orchestre Kinois de Jazz), was a Congolese rumba band from the Democratic Republic of the Congo established in 1956 and fronted by Franco. The group disbanded in 1993, but reformed in 1996.

Location

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The OK Jazz band was formed in 1956 in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa), in what was at the time the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). At one time in the late 1970s and early 1980s the band grew to more than fifty members. During that period, it often split into two groups; one group stayed in Kinshasa, playing in nightclubs there, while the other group toured in Africa, Europe and North America.

History

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1950–1959

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The musicians who started OK Jazz included Vicky Longomba, Jean Serge Essous, François Luambo Makiadi, De La Lune, Augustin Moniania Roitelet, La Monta LiBerlin, Saturnin Pandi, Nicolas Bosuma Bakili Dessoin and vocalist Philippe Lando Rossignol. They used to play at Loningisa Studios in Kinshasa as individual artists, before they got together to form a band in June 1956. The name OK Jazz originated from the bar where they played, which was called the OK Bar, owned by Gaston Cassien (who later changed his name to Oscar Kashama, after Authenticité). The new band played regularly at a specific studio in the city during the week, and on some weekends they played at weddings. In 1957, the lead vocalist, Philippe Lando Rossignol, quit OK Jazz and was replaced by Edo Nganga, from Congo-Brazzaville. Later in the same year, Isaac Musekiwa, a saxophonist from Zimbabwe, joined the band. Up to that time the band's leadership was shared between Vicky Longomba, Essous and Franco.[1]

1960–1969

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Franco Luambo (right), Isaac Musekiwa (left), and Joseph "Mujos" Mulama (center) in Léopoldville, ca. 1963

In the early 1960s Vicky Longomba and Jean Essous left OK Jazz to join African Jazz. Franco then became the leader of the band. He recruited vocalists Kwamy Munsi and Mulamba Joseph Mujos. Simaro Masiya Lutumba joined OK Jazz in 1961.[2] Essous was replaced by saxophonist Verckys Kiamuangana Mateta. In 1962 OK Jazz visited Nigeria on their first foreign tour. Later that year, Vicky Longomba rejoined the band. Lola Checain, a vocalist who had left earlier also came back.

Around this time, the band changed their name to TPOK Jazz. TP stood for "Tout Puissant" (all mighty). Band membership had increased to over twenty. The quality of their music had improved to where they could challenge African Jazz for the position of Congo's premier group. Franco's music had such popular appeal mainly because it discussed issues affecting ordinary people on a daily basis. Franco led other Congolese musicians in using new technology to produce sounds of much higher quality than in any other part of Africa. The new technology included electric guitars, amplifiers and basses. Congo had now assumed the premier position as Africa's leading music nation.[3] During the late 1960s, Kwamy Munsi and Mulamba Joseph Mujos led nine other musicians in a mass defection from TPOK Jazz. A few months later, saxophonist Verckys Kiamuangana Mateta also left. Franco recruited Rondot Kassongo wa Kassongo to replace Verckys. He also brought in solo guitarist Mose Fan Fan. Fan Fan had a new style of guitar-playing called sebene, which was more danceable. This style came to be known as Sebene ya ba Yankees. Fan Fan also composed a number of extremely popular hits, including "Dje Melasi".[4]

1970–1975

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Drummer of TPOK Jazz in Léopoldville

During the 1970s Franco and TPOK Jazz consolidated their position as one of the two giants of Congolese popular music, along with Grand Kalle & l'African Jazz. Many musical stars emerged from both of these bands. TPOK Jazz was staging concerts all over Africa, including places such as Chad and Sudan. The band's finances also improved tremendously.

Franco brought on board the composer/vocalist Sam Mangwana, who has a Zimbabwean father and an Angolan mother, but was born and raised in Kinshasa, DRC. He spoke English, Lingala, French and Portuguese, along with a number of other African languages. His recruitment energised the band and infuriated Afrisa, where he came from.

In early 1970 Vicky Longomba, who was then acting as Co-president of the band left. Mose Fan Fan, the band's flamboyant solo guitarist also left. Then Youlou Mabiala quit and formed Orchestre Somo Somo with Fan Fan. Soon after that Tshongo Bavon Marie Marie, Franco's biological brother died in an automobile accident. The band fell upon hard times with low record sales and as sparsely attended concerts. Franco was grief-stricken and despondent and stopped playing music for some time. Upon his return, he recorded several songs in memory of his late brother.

He then began to rebuild the band. This coincided with the restructuring of Congo by President Mobutu Sese Seko under the program of "L'Authenticite". The name of the country was changed from Congo-Kinshasa to Zaire. Franco adopted the names "L'Okanga La Ndju Pene Luambo Luanzo Makiadi". During this time, vocalist Mayaula Mayoni came on board, along with guitarists Mpundi Decca, Gege Mangaya, Michelino Mavatiku Visi and Thierry Mantuika. Franco then appointed Simaro Lutumba, as the chef d'orchestre. Sam Mangwana composed his hit Luka Mobali Moko around this time.[5]

In 1973 Josky Kiambukuta Londa, a seasoned composer and vocalist, joined the band. In 1974, Youlou Mabiala returned to TPOK Jazz. However, Sam Mangwana left and started a solo career in Côte d'Ivoire. Ndombe Opetum was recruited from Afrisa International to replace Mangwana. He came along with hornsman Empompo Loway. In 1975 Franco released yet another classic hit Bomba Bomba Mabe.[6]

1976–1979

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By the mid-1970s Franco was one of Zaire's wealthiest citizens. He invested heavily in real estate in Belgium, France and in Zaire. He owned Kinshasa's four largest and most popular nightclubs, the biggest of which was Un-deux-trois. TPOK Jazz played there every weekend to a packed house. In 1976, vocalist Zitani Dalienst Ya Ntesa and guitarist Gerry Dialungana were convinced to join TPOK Jazz. Mayaula Mayoni composed a song, Cheri Bondowe which was released in an album that also included Alimatou and Bisalela.

In 1977 Franco introduced a handicapped female singer known as Mpongo Love. Despite her handicap which was the result of childhood polio, she went on to become one of the continents most popular singers on the strength of her charming, vivacious voice and her songwriting. Papa Noel Nedule, an accomplished guitarist joined soon after that. Later that year the band represented Zaire in what was Africa's largest ever cultural event, Festac 77 which was staged in Lagos, Nigeria.

In 1978 Franco released two songs — "Helene" and "Jacky" — that were deemed "indecent" by the Attorney General of his native country. After a brief trial, he was convicted and sent to prison, along with other band members, including Simaro Lutumba. Franco was released two months later, following street protests. That same year, Mayaula Mayoni released the song "Nabali Misere" (I am married to misery). He quit the band soon afterwards, to pursue a solo career.[7]

In 1979 Franco moved his recording base from Kinshasa to Brussels, Belgium, to take advantage of superior recording facilities. Franco embarked on a tour of eight West African countries. That same year Josky released Propretaire.[8]

1980–1989

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This period marked the pinnacle in the success of the band and that of its leader, Franco Luambo Makiadi. The band was releasing an average of four albums a year during this period. The rival Congolese bands, Afrisa International and Orchestre Veve could not keep up with the competition. Life was good.[9] In 1982 Sam Mangwana returned briefly and released an album with Franco called Cooperation. Franco also released several albums with former nemesis Tabu Ley. In 1983 TPOK Jazz toured the United States of America for the first time. That year the song "Non", featuring Madilu System and Franco in alternating lead vocals, was released.[10]

In the mid-1980s the band continued to churn out best sellers including Makambo Ezali Borreaux, 12,600 Letters to Franco, Pesa Position, Mario and Boma Ngai na Boma Yo. By this time, Madilu System had taken over as the lead vocalist. In 1986, Josky Kiambukuta and Zitani Dalienst Ya Ntesa, two vocalists who felt they were not getting enough prime time exposure led another mass exodus to form their own band. Around this time, Simaro Lutumba released an album outside the OK Jazz system, featuring the song "Maya". During the same timeframe, Malage de Lugendo, a vocalist, was recruited. Also Kiesse Diambu ya Ntessa from Afrisa and female vocalist Jolie Detta came on board.[11]

At the beginning of 1987, Franco released a 15-minute song with the title "Attention Na Sida" (Beware of AIDS). Sung mainly in French amid heavy African drums and a kaleidoscope of thundering guitars, the song is moving even if one does not understand all the words.[12] Also in 1987, TPOK Jazz were invited to perform at the 4th All-Africa Games in Nairobi, Kenya. On one of the eight albums that the band released in 1987, called Les On Dit, Franco introduced two new female vocalists Nana Akumu and Baniel Bambo. In 1988, Josky and Dalienst re-joined the band.

1989 was a challenging year for the band. Franco's health was in obvious decline. He had by now moved permanently to Brussels. He did not play much and when he did, could only manage about twenty minutes. The band started to fall apart with the defection of Malage de Lugendo and Dizzy and Decca, who returned to Kinshasa to pursue other opportunities. Later that year Sam Mangwana teamed with Franco to release the album Forever. The album sleeve carried a photograph of Franco in which he appeared emaciated and obviously in ill-health. It turned out to be Franco's last album.

On 12 October 1989, Francois Luambo Makiadi died in a hospital in Brussels, Belgium. His body was flown back to Zaire. After four days of mourning, he was given a state funeral on 17 October 1989, by Mobutu Sese Seko's government.[13]

1990–1993

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Following the death of Franco, the band members, led by Simaro Lutumba, Josky Kiambukuta, Ndombe Opetum and Madilu System approached the Franco family and agreed to split earnings; (70% musicians and 30% family). This arrangement worked from August 1989 until December 1993.[14]

During that period, the band released an album entitled Hommage A Luambo Makiadi, made up of songs recorded before Franco died. Josky released an album featuring the song "Chandra". Simarro released an album that featured the hit "Eau Benite", sung by Madilu, and another album Somo, which included the songs "Marby", composed by Josky, and "Mort Viviant Somida", composed by Madilu System. The band continued to tour both in Africa and in Europe. More defections beset the band but the majority of the musicians hung in there.

Then in December 1993 it all came crashing down. The Franco family was not satisfied with the profit-sharing arrangement in place at the time. The family wanted more money. They could not reach an agreement with the musicians. The musicians returned the musical equipment to the family and went on to form a new band, Bana OK. Thus ended the life of one of Africa's most famous bands of the twentieth century, that lasted more than thirty-seven years; from June 1956 until December 1993.[15]

Band members

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Franco Luambo Makiadi, leader of the band

TPOK Jazz had many members over the nearly 38 years of its existence.[16] 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.[17][18]

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

Discography

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A small fraction of the hundreds of records and albums released by TPOK Jazz during the thirty-seven and a half years of the band's existence includes:[19][20]

TPOK Jazz Discography June 1953 – December 1993
Year Name of Record Composer
1956 On Entre OK On Sort KO François Luambo Makiadi
1962 Cheri Zozo Makiadi
1965 Ngai Marie Nzoto Ebeba Makiadi
1966 Chicotte Makiadi
1969 Celine Youlou Mabiala
1969 Marceline Makiadi
1969 Mado Céli Bitshou
1969 Je Ne Peux Faire Autrement (Ma Hele) Simaro Lutumba
1970 Gaby Ozali Coupable Lola Chécain[21]
1970 Mokili Matata Bitshou
1971 Georgette Makiadi
1971 Radio Trottoir Lutumba
1972 Dje Melasi Mose Fan Fan
1972 Lufua Lua Nkadi Sam Mangwana
1972 Zando Ya Tipo-Tipo Michel Boyibanda
1973 AZDA Makiadi
1973 Nganda Ma Campagne Chécain
1973 Zando Ya Tipo-Tipo Boyibanda
1973 Où Est le Sérieux? Makiadi
1974 Luka Mobali Moko Mangwana
1974 Kinzonzi Ki Tata Mbemba Makiadi
1974 Mabele Lutumba
1974 Monzo Josky Kiambukuta
1975 Baninga Tokola Na Balingaka Ngai Te Chécain
1975 Bomba Bomba Mabe Makiadi
1975 Bondowe Mayaula Mayoni
1975 Alimatou Makiadi
1975 Bisalela Lutumba
1975 Bodutaka Lutumba
1975 Camarade Nini Akobomba Ngai Sango Makiadi
1975 Kamikaze Mabiala
1975 Ledi Mabiala
1975 Falaswa Makiadi
1975 Nakoma Mbanda Na Mama Ya Mobali Ngai Makiadi
1975 Nioka Abangaka Mpe Moto Makiadi
1975 Mbongo Lutumba
1975 TP OK Jazz Presence Na Ngai Lutumba
1975 Oko Regretter Ngai Mama Lutumba
1975 Toboyana Kaka Chécain
1975 Nioka Abangaka Mpe Moto Makiadi
1976 Bokolo Bana Ya Mbanda Na Yo Malamu Makiadi
1976 Liberté Makiadi
1976 Tosambi Bapeji Yo Raison Na Quartier Makiadi
1977 Lisolo Ya Adamo Na Nzambe Daniel Zitan Ya Ntesa
1977 Mabe Yo Mabe Ndombe Opetum
1977 Sala Lokola Luntadila Chécain
1977 Libala Ya Bana Na Bana Chécain
1978 Nabali Misele Mayoni
1980 Tokoma Ba Camarade Pamba Makiadi
1980 Arzoni Makiadi
1980 Mamba Lutumba[22]
1981 Bina na Ngai na Respect Zitan
1982 Farceur Makiadi
1982 Faute Ya Commerçant Lutumba
1982 Tangawusi Papa Noel Nedule[23]
1983 Missile Josky Kiambukuta
1983 Non Makiadi
1983 Tu Vois? (Mamou) Makiadi
1984 Makambo Ezali Bourreau Makiadi
1984 12,600 Letters to Franco Makiadi
1984 Candidat Na Biso Mobutu Makiadi
1985 Bourreau des Cœurs Dénis Bonyeme[24]
1985 Mario Makiadi
1985 Boma Ngai Na Boma Yo To Bomana Madilu System
1986 Celio Makiadi
1986 Testament Ya Bowule Lutumba
1987 Attention Na Sida Makiadi

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Early Years of OK Jazz". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  2. ^ "Lutumba Simaro: Biography – Lutumba Joined OK Jazz In 1961". Last.Fm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  3. ^ "TPOK Jazz During The 1960s". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  4. ^ Siddikh, Aboubacar (10 December 2008). "Dje Melasi Was Composed By Mose Fan Fan". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  5. ^ Siddikh, Aboubacar (30 October 2011). "Luka Mobali Moko Is Song Number 3 On Side A: Luka Mobali Moko (Sam Mangwana) – Singers: Sam Mangwana, Josky Kiambukuta, Michèl Boyibanda, Lola Chécain". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  6. ^ "TPOK Jazz During The Early 1970s". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  7. ^ "TPOK Jazz During The Late 1970s". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  8. ^ Oloya, Abraham (12 March 2013). "Propretaire Was Released In 1979". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  9. ^ "TPOK Jazz During The Early 1980s". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  10. ^ Siddikh, Aboubacar (22 December 2010). ""Non" Was Released In 1983". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  11. ^ "TPOK Jazz In The Mid 1980s". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  12. ^ Siddikh, Aboubacar (7 January 2011). "Franco Released "Attention Na Sida" In 1987". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  13. ^ "TPOK Jazz In The Late 1980s". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  14. ^ 70/30 Profit-Sharing Arrangemet Worked for Four Years After Franco's Death Archived 2011-09-21 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ "TPOK Jazz After The Death of Franco". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  16. ^ May, Chris (7 January 2009). "Franco And Le TPOK Jazz: Francophonic – Africa's Greatest – A Retrospective – Vol. 1 1953 – 1980". Allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  17. ^ "Members of TPOK Jazz – 1956 – 1993". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  18. ^ "Franco Luambo Makiadi And TPOK Jazz". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  19. ^ "The Music of TPOK Jazz". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  20. ^ "Videos of Some of the Songs of TPOK Jazz". Youtube.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  21. ^ Siddikh, Aboubacar (10 December 2008). "Gaby Ozali Coupable (Lola Chécain) – Franco & L'O.K. Jazz 1970". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  22. ^ Kairitukega (11 October 2009). "Djo Mpoyi Sang Lead Vocals". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2011-01-21. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  23. ^ Aboubacar Siddikh (31 October 2010). "Tangawusi (Papa Noel): TPOK Jazz 1982". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  24. ^ Siddikh, Aboubacar (6 February 2009). "Boureau des Cœurs (Dénis Bonyeme) – T.P. O.K. Jazz 1985". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 10 January 2016.

Further reading

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