Orchestre T.P.O.K. Jazz

Orchestre T.P.O.K. Jazz, also known as OK Jazz, was a Congolese rumba band from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, formed in 1956 by François Luambo Makiadi, Vicky Longomba, Jean Serge Essous, and other musicians who played at Loningisa Studios. The band originated from the OK Bar, owned by Gaston Cassien, and initially performed regularly at a specific studio during the week and at weddings on weekends. In 1957, Philippe Lando Rossignol left the band and was replaced by Edo Nganga. By 1962, François Luambo Makiadi became the leader of the band after Vicky Longomba and Jean Serge Essous left to join African Jazz. The band changed their name to TPOK Jazz (Tout Puissant Orchestre Kinois de Jazz) and grew to over twenty members. Notable albums include L'Afrique Danse No. 6 (1969) and OK Jazz Authenticité Volume 3 (1975). In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the band split into two groups; one stayed in Kinshasa while the other toured Africa, Europe, and North America. The band dissolved by August 2004, leaving a lasting impact on Congolese rumba music.

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