Marie Catho / Bayini Ngai Mpo Nayo (François Luambo) 1955

Loningisa 129a/129b. Recorded October 14th, 1955.

More information to be found here:

http://wrldsrv.blogspot.com/2009/01/g...

This is a group that is not formally L'O.K. Jazz yet, but most musicians were in place already. The photo is probably from 1956.

According to the memory of Dizzy Mandjeku (recorded 29-9-1992, Brussels), the a-side is the first song by Franco ever recorded, and for the O.K. Jazz context, that is correct. However, almost two years before, two of his songs had already been released, with Watam, lead by Dewayon. I have also posted these today.

Ntesa Dalienst (recorded 15-10-1990, in Brussels) remarks that Franco did the second voice to Rossignol here and that Rossignol thought Franco was the best second voice that ever sang behind him. Ntesa agreed.

I am posting these today because today it is exactly 20 years ago Franco did his very last public performance:    • Franco: Dernier Concert - Final Perfo...  

The photo of Ntesa Dalienst was taken by Ton Verhees.

Note: "Bayini Ngai Mpo Na Yo" is the correct title of "Bolingo Na Ngai Na Beatrice", a title cited in a book some years ago. The book got it wrong, on this and many more instances.

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