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Syran Mbenza: Immortal Franco
Tribute to Africa's Unrivalled Guitar Legend
Franco was Africa's unrivalled guitar legend whose music changed the sound of a continent. Twenty years after Franco's death, Congolese guitar maestro Syran Mbenza brings together a host of stars to celebrate his incredible musical legacy. Led by Mbenza, widely acknowledged as one of Africa's best guitarists, this album features the honeyed voice of Wuta Mayi and bassist Flavien Makabi from Franco's OK Jazz band.
One of the greatest interpreters of Franco's guitar style, Syran Mbenza grew up hearing Franco's music in Kinshasa and taught himself to play guitar in the same style. His career took off in the 1970s with the influential African Allstars, before he became a part of the all-star soukous group Quatre Etoiles (alongside the newly expatriated OK Jazz singer Wuta Mayi) in the 1980s and then Kekele in 2000. To produce this album, he called upon a selection of talented musicians including vocalist Wuta, Cameroonian saxophonist Jimmy Mvondo, longstanding OK Jazz bassist Flavien Makabi, Kekele conguero Deba Sungu and vocalist Elba Kuluma.
Arguably the best ever African band, OK Jazz had a continual influx and departure of musicians during a 34-year-history. As a result Franco's repertoire is massive. Here Mbenza cherry picks a handful of gems from the Cuban-inspired 1950s, the 1960s rumba lingala, the 1970s authenticité and acoustic recordings and the expansive big bands and lengthy songs of the 1980s.
Popularized in the 1960s by Miriam Makeba, Franco originally wrote 'Liwa Ya Wech' in tribute to a childhood friend. Here Ballou Canta gives an evocative rendition of 'Liwa Ya Franco' ('The Death of Franco'), wringing the pathos out of the song. Also in Franco's memory, 'Heritage Ya Luambo' written by Syran, features a refrain of 'baleli Franco' ('they cry for Franco').
Representing Franco's period of 1970s acoustic authenticity, 'Mbanda Nasali Nini? (Madeleine)' is elegant in its simplicity and features Syran's emotional signature Franco-style acoustic guitar solo. Originally recorded by OK Jazz in 1971, Syran and Wuta Mayi have been performing 'Infidelité Mado' for a good 30 years but this is their first studio recording of the luscious rumba. An elaborate story of love and deception, the 1977 'Matinda' features Jimmy Mvondo's conversational sax tones.
Originally a lengthy 14 minute epic, 'Liyanzi Ekoti Ngai Na Motema (Mouzi)' was a huge hit all over Africa in the 1980s. This condensed version still retains the song's enthusiasm and features a magnificent vocal performance from Elba Kuluma, who joined the remnants of OK Jazz under the flag of Bana OK. Part of OK Jazz from 1974-82 and with a mellow French horn of a voice, Wuta Mayi sings two of his own 1980s OK Jazz compositions, 'Zozo Visi' and 'Beyou Motema'.
Two decades have passed but Franco's influence continues to resonate around the world. Featuring a host of talents, many of whom worked alongside the Great Master, this album commemorates his great legacy and celebrates the best of Congolese pop.
Track Listing:
1 Heritage Ya Luambo
2 Beyou Motema
3 Liyanzi Ekoti Ngai Na Motema (Mouzi)
4 Mbanda Nasali Nini? (Madeleine)
5 Matinda
6 Infidelité Mado
7 Salima
8 Rumba Odemba
9 Liwa Ya Franco
10 Cherie Bondowé
11 Zozo Visi
12 Tour A Tour
Catalogue number (Cat#): TUGCD1050
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