When the legendary Franco died in 1989, he left behind a legacy of more than 3,000 compositions and a trainload of musicians who were lifetime members of OK Jazz / TPOK Jazz, the greatest and most experienced band in Africa.
During the 33-year history of Franco's leadership, many musicians made their names in OK Jazz and went on to individual success. Following the grand master's death, a core of musicians stayed in Europe. These included a horn section led by Rondot Kasongo, who founded Bana OK with guitar soloists Papa Noel and Mose Fan Fan, guitar accompanists Thierry and Petit Pierre, and Franco's female discovery, Baniel Mbambou. —Courtesy Calabash Music
