Kinshasa, DR Congo - The Minister of Culture and Arts of the DR Congo, Esdras Kambale, Sunday called on Congolese to to pay a glowing tribute to musician Luambo Makiadi who died 20 years ago.
Known as the "Grand Master", Makiadi was nicknamed Franco de Mi Amor, died in 19 89.
As part of the commemoration, the Congolese Ministry of Culture and Arts will or ganise a series of events, including a thanksgiving mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame du Congo Kinshasa, the laying of wreaths on the tomb of the hero, in the cemetery of Gombe, downtown the Congolese capital city, and hold two concerts in the evening.
Several musicians, including those of the very popular OK Jazz, a band set up by Franco in the late 1950s, will be participating in the festivities.
Born to a Congolese breadbaker in 1938, Franco built a guitar when he was seven years old, released his first single at 15 (after peers nicknamed him Franco), became one of the most popular bandleaders in his country's history (before Mobutu Sese Seko's dictatorship nicknamed him le Grand Mastre).
He fathered 18 kids, created a mark so indelible that state-run radio played his records for four straight days after he died.
Kinshasa - 12/10/2009
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