From 1956 until his death in 1989 Franco Luambo Makiadi and his band OK Jazz dominated much of the African musical landscape. He is considered by many the "King of Rumba,” Soukous, and the “Sorcerer of the Guitar.” With a band that featured at times over 30 musicians on stage and with over 100 albums and over 2000 songs recorded, one can understand why.
This song was released in 1979 and features the vocals of Franco, Josky Kiambukuta and Djo Mpoyi. It also showcases Franco and his fellow guitarists’ magically delayed guitar work, most notably at 7:15 and when it locks in with the horns at 7:52. I especially love the mesmerizing bass lines that round out every OK Jazz track. Franco, OK Jazz, and Rumba are still largely ignored in the United States but this music deserves much more attention especially for the fact that it is just as warm, friendly and kindhearted as the people that play it.
1 Comment
Laura Schlivek
11/7/2016 12:12:11 pm
I love this one, Aaron.
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