| "Mario" | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Mario_(45_rpm_Kenyan_release).jpg) Vinyl label of 12" Kenyan release. | |
| Single by Franco and the TPOK Jazz | |
| from the album Mario | |
| Language | Lingala |
| Released | 1985 |
| Recorded | 1985 |
| Studio | Studio Mademba, Libreville |
| Genre | Congolese rumba |
| Label | Éditions Populaires |
| Songwriter(s) | L'Okanga La Ndju Pene Luambo Luanzo Makiadi |
"Mario" is a song by Congolese guitarist Franco and his group TPOK Jazz from his eponymous 1985 album. It is considered to be the musician's biggest hit.[1]
Written and composed by Franco, the theme of the song is the story of a gigolo who lives with an older woman. Although he is a graduate, he prefers to spend his partner's money.[2]
“Mario” was reportedly certified gold after selling over 200,000 copies in Zaire.[3] The song has been recorded three times by TPOK Jazz (each with different interpretations of Mario's story): the original, "Mario 2" (also released in 1985) and "Mario 3" (released in 1987 on the album "L'Animation Non Stop"). The song was also covered by several artists including salsa group Africando[4] and rapper Marshall Dixon.
- ^ "Mario : le plus grand succès de Franco, en vidéo sous-titrée". pan-african-music.com (in French). 2019-10-10. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
- ^ "Franco Luambo : Mario Lyrics, words, translation". kenyapage.net. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
- ^ Stewart, Gary (2003). Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos. Verso. pp. 292–293. ISBN 978-1-85984-368-0.
- ^ "Africando - Ketukuba". Discogs. Retrieved 2021-09-12.