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Maya by Simaro and TPOK Jazz (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction This classic hit from 1985 was composed by Lutumba Massiya Simaro, who was Franco’s trusted lieutenant. However Franco considered the song a betrayal because Simaro recorded it outside the...
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Nganda Tosalaka fete Lopango Batekisa (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction This song was composed by Lutumba Simaro and was released in 1983. A harmonious choral section is augmented by a typically brilliant delivery by Josky Kiambukuta who is on lead vocals....
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Celio by Franco and TPOK Jazz (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction The song Celio, was released in 1986. It was on side B of the album labeled “30 ans du success” and whose feature song was La Vie des Hommes album which was an album released to celebrate...
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La vie des hommes by Franco (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction This song was released in 1986 as part of an album celebrating the 30th anniversary of the formation of TPOK Jazz. The album was labeled 30 Ans du success and had two other songs: Ida and...
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C’est dur la vie d’une femme celibataire Lyrics and Translation
Background In 1987, Jolie Detta who had sung on the popular album “Massu”, left TP OK Jazz. Franco recruited two musicians to replace Detta. The two were Baniel Bambo and Nana Akumu. The duo went on...
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Ida by Franco and TPOK Jazz (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction The song “Ida” was the first song on Face B of the 30th anniversary album of TPOK Jazz. Released in 1986, the album was dubbled “30 ans du success”. The album featured three melancholic...
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Mibali Basala Attention by Josky Kiambukuta & TPOK Jazz (Translation and Lyrics)
Introduction The song Mibali Basala Attention which translates to “Men beware”, was composed by Josky Kiambukuta around 1990. It was on Face B of the Chandra album and was one of the first albums...
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Mehida by Josky Kiambukuta and TPOK Jazz (Translation and Lyrics)
Introduction The song Mehida, was composed by Josky Kiambukuta and was released in 1983 as the lead song in the album labeled “Franco Presente Josky Kiambukuta”. The album featured three other songs...
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Mangasa by Simaro and TPOK Jazz (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction The song Mangasa was released late in 1988. It was part of an album that featured four songs, all by Simaro. The other songs were Couerr Artificiel, Maclebert and Sindo na Bruxelles It was...
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Kita Mata Bloque by Josky Kiambukuta and TPOK Jazz (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction The song Kita Mata Bloque was composed by Josky Kiambukuta. It was the title song for the album labeled ” Le Grande Maitre et Josky Kiambukuta avec Le TPOK Jazz”. It featured only Josky’s...
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Ebale ya Zaire by Simaro (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction Ebale ya Zaire literally means the River Zaire. It refers to the river that is now referred to as River Congo. However the song is not actually about the river. It is a song dedicated to...
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Merci Bapesaka na Mbwa by Simaro & TPOK Jazz (Lyrics and Translation)
Introduction This classic hit is one of the most popular songs composed by Simaro Lutumba. It was part of an album that featured three other songs composed by Simaro: Testament Ya Bowule, Vaccination...
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Matata ya mwasi na mobali by Franco & TPOK Jazz (Translation and Lyrics)
Introduction This song was released in 1976 as a single LP on the “Editions Populaires” series. Synopsis A couple tries to solve the problem between them. After discerning the problem, they have come...
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Radio Trottoir by Simaro and TPOK Jazz (Translation and Lyrics)
Introduction This song was originally released in 1977. Composed by Simaro, it features Youlou Mabiala on lead vocals with Ntesa Dalienst prominently featured on the chorus line. Synopsis Radio...
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