Real name: François Luambo Makiadi Lokanga La Djo Péné

Effective period / Period of releases: 1955 - 2009

François Luambo Makiadi Lokanga La Djo Péné (6 July 1938, Sona Bata, Belgian Congo - 12 October 1989, Namur, Belgium) better known as Franco Luambo or simply Franco, was a national figure in 20th century Congolese popular music. He founded and led the Orchestre T.P.O.K. Jazz from 1956 until his death in 1989. Originator of the modern Congolese sound, Franco revolutionized modern African music, releasing hundreds of records, training hundreds of musicians and achieving African super-star status. Known for his mastery of Rumba, he was nicknamed "Le Grand Maître" and the "Sorcerer of the Guitar" for his seemingly effortlessly fluid playing. A close associate of president Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngwendu Wa Zabanga, in 1974 Franco obtained ownership of the nationalized pressing plant Mazadis.