François Luambo Makiadi Lokanga La Djo Péné (6 July 1938 -12 October 1989) better known as Franco Luambo or simply Franco was a national figure in 20th century Congolese popular music.
Franco founded and led the Orchestre T.P.O.K. Jazz from 1956 until his death in 1989. Originators of the modern Congolese sound, Franco revolutionized modern African music, releasing hundreds of records, training hundreds of musicians and achieving an African super-star status. Known for his mastery of Rumba, he was nicknamed the "Sorcerer of the Guitar" for his seemingly effortlessly fluid playing.