Oye Touring and Trading Presents : The legendary ODEMBA OK JAZZ ALL STARS [DR Congo] and their Sprit of Franco Tour from 25th September to 4th October. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of the King of Congolese Rumba Grand Maitre ‘Franco’ Luambo Makiadi, and the release of the tribute double CD to the great man Francophonic
Led and conducted by guitarist and living legend Dizzy Mandjeku who was an original member of Franco’s OK Jazz, this magnificent 12 piece band is the original exponents of smooth big band ‘Franco style’ Congolese Rumba. Other greats in the all-star line up include Malage De Lugendo, Nana and Baniel, Dele Pedro, and veteran Seigneur Lokombe all of whom are legends in their own right.
Although this form of music was at its height in the 60s and 70s it is anything but old fashioned. In fact the music is so dominated by driving bass lines, amazing horn sections, powerful voices, and melodic guitar riffs that it appeals to all people of all ages and most of all it makes people dance like they have never danced before!
Odemba’s concerts at the Sallis Benney Theatre in Brighton in 2007 won an award for the best gig that year and Odemba’s performances at the Africa Oyé festival in Liverpool in 2007 and 2008 were unforgettable to anyone who witnessed them. Add to that the fantastic gig at The Lighthouse in Poole in 2008 and you can see why the demand for Oyé to tour Odemba in the UK is so high. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of the best live acts you will ever see.
About Oye Touring and Trading
For the best part of 17 years Africa Oyé has brought to Liverpool the best artists from all over Africa, The Caribbean, and The Americas to play at its now legendary festival. In 2009 thanks to funding from the Arts Council of England and as part of a new touring initiative called ‘Black Routes’ Oyé will also tour this great live music around the UK.
The emphasis as always will be on quality and the aim is to promote African and Caribbean artists/music and to give everyone across the UK a chance to access this fantastic music. Oyé Touring and Trading will organise two tours per year and the first tour of 2009 showcased one of the legends of Reggae music; Freddie McGregor, with a full live band throughout June and July. The second tour will feature Congolese Rumba super band Odemba OK Jazz All-Stars throughout September and October 2009.
Read Martin Sinnock's Article about Odemba OK Jazz All Stars that originally featured in the Beat Magazine.
Odemba OK Jazz All Stars are:
Dizzy Mandjeku guitar and band leader
Vieux Lokombe, Malage De Lugendo, Nana Akumu, and Baniel Bambo vocals
Dele Pedro, and Didan saxophones
Biolo-Mutshipayi and Mukula-Muindila-Muki trumpets
Toms Guitar Djo Maly Bass Guitar Alonso Baba Drums
Tour Dates 2009
Thursday 24th September Brighton Dome
Saturday 26th September Bristol St Georges
Monday 28th September London Jazz Café
Tuesday 29th September Liverpool Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Wednesday 30th September Glasgow The Arches
Thursday 1st October Edinburgh Queens Hall
Friday 2nd October Birmingham The Drum
Saturday 3rd October Leeds Leeds Irish Centre
