Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980

Franco, Franco Luambo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 24, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sterns Arc LTD.
• ASIN: B0006IIO72
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,649 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #16 in Music > World Music > Africa > Soukous
  • #21 in Music > World Music > Africa > Zaire & Congo

Track Listings

1. AZDA

2. Mambu ma miondo

3. Mabele

4. Kinsiona

5. Alimatou

6. Chérie Bondowe 2

7. Liberté

8. Lisolo ya Adamo na Nzambe

9. Nalingaka yo te

10. Bolingo ya bougie

11. Ku Kisantu kikwenda ko

12. Tozonga na nganga wana

13. Annie ngai nalinga

14. Marie naboyi

15. Boma l'heure

16. Nzube oleka te

17. Likambo ya ngana

18. Infidelité Mado CD2:

Editorial Reviews

Francophonic finally gives Franco his due. Vol. 1: 1953-1980 comes out this year, the 70th anniversary of the artist's birth. Vol. 2: 1980-1989 will be released next year, the 20th anniversary of his death. Each volume is a boxed set containing 2 CDs and a 48-page book. From Sterns - "one of the world's finest disseminators of African music," according to the New York Times -both albums are researched, compiled, annotated, illustrated and designed by the same people that produced last year's Voice of Lightness, a retrospective of Franco's rival, Tabu Ley Rochereau, which garnered high praise from National Public Radio, Rolling Stone, the New York Times and Pitchfork. This first Francophonic volume is the album that will confirm Franco's international reputation as Africa's greatest. The second volume will crown it.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great addition for African/Afro-pop music lovers, December 31, 2008

By 

G. Patrick - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980 (Audio CD)

some of the best music out there in my opinion comes from africa. I'm especially fond of 70's afro-pop - an era when modern tape machines had made it into studios in the cities but before pop music was so watered down and over produced. this retrospective of Franco covers about 30 years of his career and is a great addition to your African music collection. there is a major influence from Cuban sounds so it was a little surprising to hear that, but since it fuses so well with the African side it makes for a great music and fun listening. there's a nice booklet with history, etc. included.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for African music fans, March 7, 2009

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980 (Audio CD)

This is an amazing, luxurious 2-CD collection of classic work from Congolese guitarist and bandleader Francois Luambo Makiadi (better known as Franco) who led the band TPOK Jazz for several decades, starting in the early 1950s. This retrospective spans from Franco's first recording session in 1953, through the funky, hypnotic grooves of the 1970s and early '80s -- all of it amazing, lovely music. If you want to explore classic African guitar pop, you could start here and be off to a great beginning. Highly recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely splendid, December 5, 2009

By 

la platija - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980 (Audio CD)

I am a great fan of Tabu Ley Rochereau's music, and Franco is frequently mentioned in this context. This retrospective was really my first exposure to Franco, and I must say it's an absolutely splendid collection. The sound is similar to Tabu Ley's gently lilting rhythms and the etheric guitars and propulsive percussion. Franco is a particularly great guitarist, though, and the music has a kind of psychedelic quality to it that took me completely by surprise.