TPOK Jazz

OK Jazz, later renamed TPOK Jazz (short for Tout Puissant Orchestre Kinshasa, "all-powerful Kinshasa orchestra"), 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.

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

Location

The OK Jazz band was formed in 1956 in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa), in what was at the time the Belgian Congo. On independence in 1960, the Belgian Congo became the Republic of the Congo, later Zaire and is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At one time in the late 1970s and early 1980s the band grew to over 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

1950–1959

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 in which they played which was named OK Bar, owned by Oscar Kashama.[1] 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.[2]

1960–1969
Vicky Longomba in 1960

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.[3] 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 appealed to ordinary people mainly because it discussed issues that affect the common man 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.[4] 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.[5]

1970–1975

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 one or both of these bands. TPOK Jazz was staging concerts all over Africa, including places like Chad and Sudan. The band's finances also improved tremendously.

Franco brought on board the composer/vocalist Sam Mangwana. Sam 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.[6]

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 Cote 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.[7]

1976–1979

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, The Festac 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, who included Simaro Lutumba. He was released two months later, following street protests. That same year, Mayaula Mayoni released Nabali Misere (I am married to misery). He quit the band soon after, to pursue a solo career.[8]

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.[9]

1980–1989

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.[10] 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, alternating lead vocals, was released.[11]

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 Joliet Detta came on board.[12]

At the beginning of 1987, Franco released a 15-minute song Attention Na Sida (Beware of AIDS). The song is 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.[13] Also in 1987, TPOK Jazz were invited to perform at the 4th All-Africa Games in Nairobi, Kenya. In 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 who appeared emanciated, 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.[14]

1990–1993

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.[15]

During that period, the band released an album Hommage A Luambo Makiadi, made of songs recorded before Franco died. Josky released an album featuring the song Chandra. Simarro released an album that featured the hit record Eau Benite, sung by Madilu, and another album Somo which included the records 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 20th Century, that lasted over thirty-seven years; from June 1956 until December 1993.[16]

Band members
Photo of Franco Luambo Makiadi, leader of the band

TPOK Jazz had many members over the nearly thirty-eight years of its existence.[17] The list of band members reads like the "Congolese Music Hall of Fame Inductees". Many members came and went, with many coming back, some on more than one occasion. Here are some of the members of the band.[18][19]

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

Discography

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:[20][21]

TPOK Jazz Discography June 1953 – December 1993
Year Name of Record Composer
1956On Entre OK On Sort KOFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1962Cheri ZozoFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1965Ngai Marie Nzoto EbebaFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1966ChicotteFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1969CelineYoulou Mabiala
1969MarcelineFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1969MadoCéli Bitshou
1969Je Ne Peux Faire Autrement (Ma Hele)Simaro Lutumba
1970Gaby Ozali CoupableLola Checain[22]
1970Mokili MatataCéli Bitshou
1971GeorgetteFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1971Radio TrottoirSimaro Lutumba
1972Dje MelasiMose Fan Fan
1972Lufua Lua NkadiSam Mangwana
1972Zando Ya Tipo-TipoMichel Boyibanda
1973AZDAFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1973Nganda Ma CampagneLola Checain
1973Zando Ya Tipo-TipoMichel Boyibanda
1973Où Est le Sérieux?Francois Luambo Makiadi
1974Luka Mobali MokoSam Mangwana
1974Kinzonzi Ki Tata MbembaFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1974MabeleSimaro Lutumba
1974MonzoJosky Kiambukuta
1975Baninga Tokola Na Balingaka Ngai TeLola Checain
1975Bomba Bomba MabeFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1975BondoweMayaula Mayoni
1975AlimatouFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1975BisalelaSimaro Lutumba
1975BodutakaSimaro Lutumba
1975Camarade Nini Akobomba Ngai SangoFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1975KamikazeYoulou Mabiala
1975LediYoulou Mabiala
1975FalaswaFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1975Nakoma Mbanda Na Mama Ya Mobali NgaiFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1975Nioka Abangaka Mpe MotoFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1975MbongoSimaro Lutumba
1975TP OK Jazz Presence Na NgaiSimaro Lutumba
1975Oko Regretter Ngai MamaSimaro Lutumba
1975Toboyana KakaLola Chécain
1975Nioka Abangaka Mpe MotoFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1976Bokolo Bana Ya Mbanda Na Yo MalamuFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1976LibertéFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1976Tosambi Bapeji Yo Raison Na QuartierFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1977Lisolo Ya Adamo Na NzambeZitani Dalienst Ya Ntesa
1977Mabe Yo MabeNdombe Opetum
1977Sala Lokola LuntadilaLola Chécain
1977Libala Ya Bana Na BanaLola Chécain
1978Nabali MiseleMayaula Mayoni
1980Tokoma Ba Camarade PambaFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1980ArzoniFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1980MambaSimaro Lutumba[23]
1981Bina na Ngai na RespectZitani Dalienst Ya Ntesa
1982FarceurFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1982Faute Ya CommerçantSimaro Lutumba
1982TangawusiPapa Noel Nedule[24]
1983MissileJosky Kiambukuta
1983NonFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1983Tu Vois? (Mamou)Francois Luambo Makiadi
1984Makambo Ezali BourreauFrancois Luambo Makiadi
198412,600 Letters to FrancoFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1984Candidat Na Biso MobutuFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1985Bourreau des CœursDénis Bonyeme[25]
1985MarioFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1985Boma Ngai Na Boma Yo To BomanaMadilu System
1986CelioFrancois Luambo Makiadi
1986Testament Ya BowuleSimaro Lutumba
1987Attention Na SidaFrancois Luambo Makiadi
gollark: I have used the internet. I have seen MANY stupid people.
gollark: How many questions did you do so far?
gollark: It makes perfect sense. You're just being wrong.
gollark: That's not related to problem-solving ability or reasoning ability or mathematical ability or anything.
gollark: No, that is a measure of persistence.

See also

References
  1. KPN, . "The Name "OK Jazz" Derived from "OK Bar"". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. KPN, . "The Early Years of OK Jazz". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. "Lutumba Simaro: Biography – Lutumba Joined OK Jazz In 1961". Last.Fm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  4. KPN, . "TPOK Jazz During The 1960s". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. Siddikh, Aboubacar (10 December 2008). "Dje Melasi Was Composed By Mose Fan Fan". Youtube.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  6. 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. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  7. KPN, . "TPOK Jazz During The Early 1970s". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. KPN, . "TPOK Jazz During The Late 1970s". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. Oloya, Abraham (12 March 2013). "Propretaire Was Released In 1979". Youtube.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  10. KPN, . "TPOK Jazz During The Early 1980s". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. Siddikh, Aboubacar (22 December 2010). ""Non" Was Released In 1983". Youtube.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  12. KPN, . "TPOK Jazz In The Mid 1980s". Kenyapage.net. Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. Siddikh, Aboubacar (7 January 2011). "Franco Released "Attention Na Sida" In 1987". Youtube.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  14. KPN, . "TPOK Jazz In The Late 1980s". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. 70/30 Profit-Sharing Arrangemet Worked for Four Years After Franco's Death Archived 2011-09-21 at the Wayback Machine
  16. KPN, . "TPOK Jazz After The Death of Franco". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. 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.
  18. KPN. "Members of TPOK Jazz – 1956 – 1993". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  19. KPN, . "Franco Luambo Makiadi And TPOK Jazz". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  20. KPN, . "The Music of TPOK Jazz". Kenyapage.net (KPN). Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. "Videos of Some of the Songs of TPOK Jazz". Youtube.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  22. Siddikh, Aboubacar (10 December 2008). "Gaby Ozali Coupable (Lola Chécain) – Franco & L'O.K. Jazz 1970". Youtube.com. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  23. Kairitukega, . (11 October 2009). "Djo Mpoyi Sang Lead Vocals". Youtube.com. Retrieved 27 January 2015.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. Aboubacar Siddikh (31 October 2010). "Tangawusi (Papa Noel): TPOK Jazz 1982". Youtube.com. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  25. Siddikh, Aboubacar (6 February 2009). "Boureau des Cœurs (Dénis Bonyeme) – T.P. O.K. Jazz 1985". Youtube.com. Retrieved 10 January 2016.

Further reading
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