King of Rumba
Celebrations and commemorations are taking place in the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere on the continent today as people remember the life of Franco Luambo Makiadi.
The king of Congolese rumba died 20 years ago at the age of 61, when he was still producing music.
His influence lives on but his sound evokes a different era.
Musical beginning
Franco Luambo Makiadi's was instrumental in the spread of Lingala music across the globe, believing that singing in his native tongue was the most honest delivery of his musical message.
Noel Mwakugu traces the footsteps of this genius, his journey takes him to Sona Bata, west of the DR Congo where Franco was born.
Political player
He had an enormous influence on music across the continent but in his home country, Congo, he also had a big political influence. Noel Mwakugu reports.
First broadcast 11, 12 & 13th October 2009