Kinshasa, September 17th, 2026 (CPA). – The relationship between the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph-Desire Mobutu, and Franco Luambo, a leading figure in rumba, which fractured in 1978, was illustrated by the complex interplay between politics, institutional protection and artistic freedom, all aimed at safeguarding their respective interests, according to a video screened on Thursday at the CPA.
“President Mobutu and the musician Franco Luambo Makiadi have maintained a relationship that straddled political power, institutional protection and artistic freedom in order to safeguard each other’s interests,” the report stated. Born in Sonabata, in what is now Kongo-Central Province, Franco Luambo Makiadi established himself as one of Africa’s great guitarists and composers. As the founder of the OK Jazz orchestra in 1956, he helped turn the group into a veritable school of Congolese rumba, influencing several generations of musicians.
Through his songs in Lingala, the artist addressed topics related to everyday life, social relations, sexuality, hypocrisy and the difficulties facing society. This freedom of expression, which was the source of his immense popularity, also exposed him to controversy.
For his part, Mobutu Sese Seko, who came to power in November 1965, had recognised the influence of popular music on Zairian society. His ‘authenticity’ policy, implemented in the early 1970s, placed great emphasis on promoting African cultural expressions, particularly Congolese rumba.
A bond forged through music
According to the details set out in the video’s timeline, the relationship between the two men is said to have begun before Mobutu assumed the presidency. Whilst still a colonel, Mobutu is said to have visited the ‘Petit Bois’ bar in the municipality of Kalamu, where he asked his close associate Ignace Moleka Liboquet to introduce him to Franco Luambo, whose music he admired. This meeting is said to have marked the start of a relationship that was to last for more than two decades. Under Mobutu’s regime, Franco and his orchestra played a major role in the Zairian cultural landscape, their popularity enabling the regime to reach a broad section of the population. A kind of tacit pact had taken shape: the artist enjoyed a certain degree of proximity and protection, whilst retaining a relatively autonomous creative space. Franco, however, was not reduced to a mere instrument of propaganda; his credibility rested in particular on his artistic independence and his ability to reflect social realities.
1978, the year of the rift
This relationship suffered a significant rift in 1978, following a scandal linked to songs performed by the OK Jazz band. According to reports, General Tukuzu, then head of military security in Kinshasa, is said to have referred the matter to the Attorney General, Léon Kengo wa Dondo, concerning Franco’s performances at the ‘123’ bar in the commune of Kasa-Vubu. In particular, he is said to have criticised him for performing songs considered obscene. Two inspectors were appointed to conduct an investigation at the OK Jazz orchestra’s concert to record the tracks ‘Hélène’ and ‘Jackie’, whose lyrics were deemed contrary to public decency. Following this investigation, Franco Luambo Makiadi, Josky Kiambukuta and Lutumba Simaro were arrested and prosecuted under summary proceedings for indecency. The sentence of one year’s imprisonment without parole led to Franco Luambo being sent to Makala Prison, causing a major stir in the music world and amongst the general public. This episode highlights the limits of a relationship based on closeness between those in power and a popular artist. The protection afforded to a cultural figure did not necessarily constitute a guarantee against legal prosecution when certain limits, defined by the authorities, were deemed to have been crossed.