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 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 , in 1974 Franco obtained ownership of the nationalized pressing plant .
Real Name
- François Luambo Makiadi Lokanga La Djo Péné
Name Vars
- \
- Luambo Makiadi
- F. Luambo
- Franco De Mi Amor
- Franco Luambo
- Franco Luambo Makiabi
- Franco Luambo Makiada
- Franco Luambo Makiadi
- Franco Luambo-Makiadi
- Franco de Mi Amor
- Franko
- Grand Maitre Franco
- Grand Maître Franco
- Grand Maître Luambo Franco
- Grand Maître Luambo-Franco
- Le Grand Maitre
- Le Grand Maitre Franco
- Le Grand Maître Franco
- Le Guitariste Franco
- Le Solliste Franco
- Lo Langalwa Djo Pene Lwanbo Makiadi
- Lo-Kanga Lwa-Djo Pene \
- Lo-Kangalwa-Djo Pene Lwambo Makiadi
- Luambo
- Luambo Franco
- Luambo François
- Luambo Lwanza Makiadi (Franco)
- Luambo Lwanzo Makiadi
- Luambo Lwanzo Makiadi (Franco)
- Luambo Makiadi \
- *
- Luambo Makiadi (Franco)
- Luambo Makiadi Dit Franco
- Luambo Makiadi Franco
- Luambo-Makiadi Franco
- Lwamba Makiadi
- Lwambo François
- Lwambo Makiadi
- Maître Franco De Mi Amor
- Tonton Franco
- Õéó³
Aliases
- François Luambo Makiadi Lokanga La Djo Péné