The Democratic Republic of the Congo is marking 10 years since the death of Papa Wemba, one of Africa’s greatest music icons.
His real name, Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, was known as the “King of Rumba Rock” and a pioneer of modern Congolese music.
He started in the legendary band Zaiko Langa Langa in the late 1960s before founding his own group Viva La Musica, and that’s where his global rise really began.
Papa Wemba didn’t just make music, he created a culture.
He led the Fashion movement, La Sape. A lifestyle of elegance, designer fashion, and confidence.
His music blended Rumba, Soukous Pop influences And his hits made him a global African star, touring the whole of Africa and beyond.
And just as he lived, on stage doing what he loved, he also died on stage doing exactly that.
On April 24, 2016, during a live performance at the FEMUA in Abidjan Papa Wemba collapsed during a live performance on stage.
He was later pronounced dead — aged 66. The moment shocked Africa…
A legend gone
Across the DRC and beyond, fans are marking the 10-year anniversary with tribute concerts and documentaries and memorial gatherings.
President Tshisekedi joined celebrations in Molokai village in Matonge Kinshasa the historic base of Papa Wemba’s band viva la Musica as part of the 10 years commemoration.
Artists across Africa are also celebrating his influence on Modern Afrobeats, Congolese rumba and African stage performance culture.
Papa Wemba helped define African music identity on the global stage and style as part of music culture, and 10 years on he is not just remembered — he’s still shaping African music today.
