Franco always had a political bent which he expressed in many of his songs. While still in his teens, he had been a trouble maker before Congo got independence from the Belgians. One of his earliest forays into politics came in 1957 when one of his songs was banned by the colonial authorities.
Soon after independence,Franco would sing a number of poitical songs, starting with the number “Ba Deputes botika Mbilinga, Mbilinga (Parliamenterians stop the confusion). He would follow this up with two more numbers: Docteur Moise Tshombe and Government ya Katanga Orientale.
Franco sings Liwa ya Lumumba (Liwa ya Emery)
Franco’s Au Commandement
Franco sings Luvumbu Ndoki after the Pentecost hangings
Mobutu changes the country’s name to Zaire and Introduces La Authenticite Franco sings “Oya”
MPR Propaganda Tours
Mobutu gives the Un-Deux-Trois Nightclub and MAZADIS to Franco
Helene and Jacky Land Franco in Prison
Kengo Wa Dondo was born Leon Lubiscz. He changed his name during La Authenticite
Lettre à Mr. Le Directeur Général
Franco’s Candidat na Biso Mobutu
Franco’s passing and funeral
| Kenya Music Page |
Franco passed on with his really music. Music with a message for the current music generation praising itself, shelves are full but no really message
A legend who left a giant database of wisdom in songs.
a good story there
When a musician sing a message…. The song will remain new over many years
Franco’s songs they are so good
What a lovely piece of narrative. Keep up educating us we the younger generation who seldom witnessed these events.Most regards!
A great read.
Very insightiful story about Kongo Mobutu and Franco.
Amazing read thought provoking with many twists and turns..Franco was a legend indeed
You lived to broke records actually you are a heroe indeed rest in peace Franco
If there’s what is to be called real musiq in Africa,rhumba from congo and Zaire should be.May the legend,the founder and leader of TpOK jazz’s soul be rested in peace!!!
RIP Franco. We call him in Kenya, “FRANCO OTOYO”
RIP Franco. We call him in Kenya, “FRANCO OTOYO” meaning, A powerful man whose lyrics can stop a storm. Perhaps, this is why Mobutu feared him.
A legend who left a giant database of wisdom in songs.
…his songs still a magic in our hears.
RIP Franco
Really learnt alot, politics,music, people and power.
Twists and turns.