The Best of OK Jazz Music

A collection of the best OK Jazz music from the 1970s.

Introduction

The OK Jazz Band was a Congolese rumba and soukous band founded in 1956 by Jean Serge Essous, Francis Kalonji and Emmanuel N’Djoké Dibango. The band’s name, OK Jazz, comes from the expression “OK”, which means “it’s good” in English. The band was based in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and had a variable number of members over the years. It reached its peak in the 1970s with a lineup that included some of the Congo’s most famous musicians, such as guitarists Franco Luambo Makiadi and Dizzy Mandjeku, singer Josky Kiambukuta Londa, saxophonist Manu Dibango and bassist Jason Sendwe.

The band toured extensively throughout Africa and Europe, and released more than 50 albums. OK Jazz was popular throughout Africa, and its members were honored by Congolese president Mobutu Sese Seko. After a decline in popularity in the 1980s, the band split up in 1989. Several reincarnations of OK Jazz have since tried to recapture the band’s glory days, with varying degrees of success.

The Birth of OK Jazz

The band that would become OK Jazz was founded in 1956 by guitarist Franco Luambo Makiadi. Like many of his contemporaries, Franco had been influenced by the music of Cuban bandleader Arsenio Rodriguez, and he set out to create a band that would play a similar style of music. The original lineup of OK Jazz included some of the most talented musicians in Congo, and the band quickly became one of the most popular groups in the country.

In 1960, Congo gained its independence from Belgium, and OK Jazz became one of the leading bands in Congolese rumba, a style of music that blended elements of Cuban rumba with traditional African rhythms. The band’s popularity continued to grow, and they began touring internationally in the 1970s.

OK Jazz released dozens of albums over the course of their career, and their music continues to be popular in Congo and throughout Africa. If you’re looking to discover some great African music, start with The Best of OK Jazz.

The Members of OK Jazz

The members of OK Jazz were: Dizzy Mandjeku (guitar), Verckys (saxophone), Simon Ngonga (bass), Niweli Miwanda (vocals), Wuta Mayi (vocals), Lutumba Simaro (rhythm guitar and vocals), Franco Luambo Makiadi (solo guitar and leader of the band), Rossignol “Guy” Masselinkx (drums), Loffa Cissoko “Mack” Diatta (congas and percussion), Vicky Edimo (“Kid”) Bimilungu (trumpet) and Ramon Mbaki Mbunda aka Roitelet, Kabasa, Naselli, Kalemie.

The Music of OK Jazz

OK Jazz was a Congolese rumba and soukous band from the Congo region of Africa. The band formed in 1956 and disbanded in 1993. OK Jazz was known for its close-knit harmonies, complex rhythms, and catchy melodies. The band’s music was a major influence on the development of Congolese rumba and soukous.

OK Jazz released numerous recordings during its 37-year history, but the majority of the band’s output was recorded during the 1970s and 1980s. OK Jazz’s recordings were prolific and popular, and many of the band’s songs became classics in the Congo region. The band’s most famous song, “Marie-Josepha,” was recorded in 1971 and became a smash hit in the Congo. “Marie-Josepha” would later be covered by other artists, including French singer Joséphine Baker.

OK Jazz recorded hundreds of songs during its more than three decades as a band, but its music has continued to be heard long after the group’s dissolution. OK Jazz’s songs have been covered by other artists, reissued on compilation albums, and featured in films. The band’s music has also been sampled by modern musicians, including American rapper Kendrick Lamar.

The Legacy of OK Jazz

Since its inception in the 1950s, OK Jazz has been one of Congo’s most popular and influential bands. OK Jazz helped to define Congolese rumba, and their unique sound continues to influence musicians today.

OK Jazz was founded by bandleader Joseph Kabasele, better known as “Grand Kalle.” Grand Kalle was a pioneer in Congolese music, and his band helped to popularize African rhythms internationally. OK Jazz toured extensively throughout Africa and Europe, and their recordings were best-sellers at home and abroad.

In the 1970s and 1980s, OK Jazz underwent several lineup changes, but the band continued to be a force in Congolese music. Several members of OK Jazz went on to have successful solo careers, including singer Franco Luambo Makiadi and guitarist Syran Mbenza.

OK Jazz disbanded in the early 1990s, but their legacy continues to live on through the music of their many former members. If you’re a fan of Congo’s rich musical history, be sure to check out the best of OK Jazz Music!