Madilu System

Jean De Dieu Bialu Makiese

May 28, 1950 - August 11, 2007

Published 7 years ago
Updated 6 years ago

The T.P. O.K. Jazz Era

As said earlier, Madilu joined Franco’s O.K. Jazz in the 1980s. He was an ordinary member of the band. His prominent role within the band happened in a strange combination of circumstances. According to an interview given to Congolese journalist Paulin Mukendi, Franco started growing tired of Madilu, probably listening to voices from within the band.

Franco openly criticized Madilu, blaming him of messing many songs he sang in. Famous singer Dalienst, would save Madilu by testifying of Madilu’s superior vocal talent over singer Josky Kiambukuta and even himself. This bought Madilu sometimes in T.P .O.K. Jazz. who thereafter planned to defect from the band, with a couple of other members. They planned to kickstart a new band from Switzerland.

By chance, Franco who saw Madilu in his way out asked to spend some time with him. Franco ended up listening to a demo of the band’s next hit song “Non”, sung by Madilu. Madilu was just practicing; he was not intended to sing it. Fascinated by his vocal prowesses, Franco came to grasp Madilu’s potential and congratulated him. The later grew some self-confidence, and stayed in T.P. O.K. Jazz and started enjoying a “protegee” role. Was it not for the aforementioned circumstances, other singers like Mbilia Bel would probably have taken the role, as revealed in the book Rumba On The River. Madilu came to sing Non, which became a phenomenal hit. The rest is history, as they say.

Non, by Franco and Madilu System.

So, Madilu performed Franco’s compositions. The two usually sang in tandem, with Madilu leading and Franco playing the other protagonist, or vice versa. The collaboration was very prolific and marked one of T.P. O.K. Jazz’s most glorious era. He also worked on side projects, like album Exploration with Congolese star Mbilia Bel and, guitarist and arranger Rigo Star.

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