Rhumba Royalty: How Franco Luambo Makiadi, TP OK, Tabu Ley's departure sparked new generation of stars

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been the beating heart of African rhumba, producing legendary orchestras whose melodies shaped the continent's musical landscape (Photo: Getty Images, Fally Ipupa/Instagram)

For over seven decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been the beating heart of African rhumba, producing legendary orchestras whose melodies shaped the continent's musical landscape.

From Franco Luambo Makiadi's TP OK Jazz to Tabu Ley Rochereau's Afrisa International and Pepe Kalle's Empire Bakuba, these groups were more than just bands, they were institutions, incubators of extraordinary talent.