--- product_id: 4576663 title: "Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980" price: "2036CFA" currency: XOF in_stock: false reviews_count: 11 url: https://www.desertcart.sn/products/4576663-francophonic-a-retrospective-vol-1-1953-1980 store_origin: SN region: Senegal --- # Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980 **Price:** 2036CFA **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980 - **How much does it cost?** 2036CFA with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sn](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/4576663-francophonic-a-retrospective-vol-1-1953-1980) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description When this album was released in 2008, it won the fRoots World Music Critics Award both for Best Compilation and for Best Package. Rock critic Robert Christgau, speaking on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, went further, naming it the best album of the year in any musical genre, never mind that the contents had been recorded in Kinshasa, Congo, three, four and five decades earlier. The accolades kept coming. Both Mojo and Blender awarded the album 5 stars, Inside Music graded it A+ and Pitchfork gave it an 8.8. The New York Times reported that 'Thorough liner notes help Western listeners understand the implications of Franco's lyrics, while the grooves communicate immediately.' The Washington Post clarified that point: 'Two and half hours of irrepressible grooves.' An essential release, whether you know Franco's music or not, or even whether you know African music or not. --Pitchfork An astonishingly good double-CD retrospective of Congolese bandleader and guitarist Franco, whose band Le TPOK Jazz was one of the true juggernauts of African music. --The Chicago Reader A treasure chest from the Congo ... It doesn't get much better ... until Volume 2. --Mojo Review: I'm a believer! - I had heard people rave about Franco's music for many years, plus a good friend of mine is a huge fan, and like reviewer platija, I'm also like the music of Tabu Ley Rochereau very much. So, with all those factors in play, I thought this compiliation would be a good way to immerse myself in Franco's music. It was ... and more. This 2 CD collection covers a lot of ground, from the early 1950s up till 1980, so there are some definite stylistic changes in Franco's music over the years. The earlier tunes have a more traditional jazz vibe, while the 60s and 70s tracks get into more intricate rythms and the funky side of things. As another reviewer noted, there is also a slight psychedelic feel to a few tracks too. Very, very interesting blend of sounds and styles, and above all, very danceable. I'm now a believer! Thinking of buying this one? It's a great deal. The two CD are packed with generous minutes of music, plus it includes a 48-page booklet with more info on Franco and his career. Well worth getting. Review: Great songs - I have enjoyed having this cd. It contains my favorite music and was happy to get it to have it in my list. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B0006IIO72 | | Best Sellers Rank | #303,915 in CDs & Vinyl ( See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl ) #17 in Music of Soukous #19 in Congolese Music #127,325 in Pop (CDs & Vinyl) | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (17) | | Date First Available | February 10, 2007 | | Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No | | Label | Stern's Africa | | Manufacturer | Stern's Africa | | Number of discs | 2 | | Product Dimensions | 5.39 x 5.75 x 0.75 inches; 7.48 ounces | ## Images ![Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71CmvkILnFL.jpg) ![Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980 - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vsBlkQ-gL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'm a believer! *by D***D on June 2, 2012* I had heard people rave about Franco's music for many years, plus a good friend of mine is a huge fan, and like reviewer platija, I'm also like the music of Tabu Ley Rochereau very much. So, with all those factors in play, I thought this compiliation would be a good way to immerse myself in Franco's music. It was ... and more. This 2 CD collection covers a lot of ground, from the early 1950s up till 1980, so there are some definite stylistic changes in Franco's music over the years. The earlier tunes have a more traditional jazz vibe, while the 60s and 70s tracks get into more intricate rythms and the funky side of things. As another reviewer noted, there is also a slight psychedelic feel to a few tracks too. Very, very interesting blend of sounds and styles, and above all, very danceable. I'm now a believer! Thinking of buying this one? It's a great deal. The two CD are packed with generous minutes of music, plus it includes a 48-page booklet with more info on Franco and his career. Well worth getting. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great songs *by D***I on March 26, 2013* I have enjoyed having this cd. It contains my favorite music and was happy to get it to have it in my list. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-have for African music fans *by D***K on March 7, 2009* This is an amazing, luxurious 2-CD collection of classic work from Congolese guitarist and bandleader Francois Luambo Makiadi (better known as Franco) who led the band TPOK Jazz for several decades, starting in the early 1950s. This retrospective spans from Franco's first recording session in 1953, through the funky, hypnotic grooves of the 1970s and early '80s -- all of it amazing, lovely music. If you want to explore classic African guitar pop, you could start here and be off to a great beginning. Highly recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sn/products/4576663-francophonic-a-retrospective-vol-1-1953-1980](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/4576663-francophonic-a-retrospective-vol-1-1953-1980) --- *Product available on Desertcart Senegal* *Store origin: SN* *Last updated: 2026-06-03*