After some silence Planet Ilunga is happy to announce a new vinyl compilation on the early days of Congo’s most famous band, O.K. Jazz. Discover the unique and hair-taking take of Franco & co on rumba, cha-cha-cha, calypso, merengue, porro and his favourite rhythm, the bolero, in the video below and on the 32-track compilation.

2LP comes with a 40-page booklet. Early birds receive an imaginary poster of O.K. Jazz’s first concert in Léopoldville, that took place on Wednesday June 6, 1956.

Compiled with the precious help of Stefan Werdekker from the music plaform Worldservice and Flemming Harrev from afrodisc.com.

Special thanks to Julien Rocky Longomba and Yves Luambo Emongo, respectively sons of Victor Longomba (aka Vicky, tenor voice in O.K. Jazz) and François Luambo Makiadi (aka Franco, guitarist in O.K. Jazz).

Thanks to the 78 rpm collectors Christian Van den Broeck and David Manet. Thanks to Alastair Johnston from the Muzikifan website who made the poster and revised the booklet. Melesi mingi Christian Ongoba & Henriette Alipaye for the transciption of the songs in in Lingala.

Artwork booklet & cover album from the France-based artist Aurélia Randriamorasata. Check out her Facebook-page.