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BORN
1949
DIED
2016
Papa Wemba Obituary
The musician, born Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, was performing Saturday night at the Urban Music Festival in the capital of Abidjan, West Africa. He collapsed onstage and died later, said a statement from the festival on the Ivory Coast.
Papa Wemba was a highly influential figure in the dance-music genre known as Soukous and was one of Africa’s most popular musicians.
Wemba was also known for his influence on Sapeur fashion, which features elegant suits, shiny black leather shoes, and flamboyant accessories. The young men who follow this trend spend a large amount of money on designer clothes, taking great pride in their appearances.
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He also was an actor and played the lead in a successful Congolese film titled “La Vie Est Belle.”
Congolese President Joseph Kabila expressed his condolences, and there will be events paying tribute to him in the coming days.
Congolese Culture Minister Baudouin Banza Mukalay called his death a "great loss for the country and all of Africa," The Associated Press reported.
Kinshasa rapper Youssoupha mourned the band leader on social media, saying, "Like my community, I am devastated by the death of Papa Wemba. He was the icon of our culture, of our lifestyle. This is a huge loss."
35 Entries
danny Kambele
May 4, 2016
papa, may your soul rest in peace..i really dont think they will ever be another rhumba musician closer to you in this generation.u ve indeed gone with your crown and i hope its is a natural death. rest in peace king of rhumba-----danny kambele, united kingdom
Hillary Akuku
May 4, 2016
May you rest in peace we shall miss your Music and original compositions
Thomas Chepkairor
May 2, 2016
En ce moment difficile dans votre vie, je prie pour que Dieu vous donnera la sérénité et la paix que vous devez traverser. Rester forts et savons que vous êtes souvenu dans mes pensées et dans mes prières.
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Michelle Pierre
May 2, 2016
RIP toi de la Rhumba
T C
May 1, 2016
Mes condoléances à la famille et les amis de Papa Wemba. Que le Dieu de confort vous aider à traverser cette période difficile. (2 Corinthiens 1: 3,4)
gorden dhikiza
April 30, 2016
may the lord bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
April 30, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sandra
April 29, 2016
Saw you perform many years ago at SOB'S in Manhattan and it was a memorable occasion.
April 29, 2016
Patricia Kabuya,
May God give the family and all his fans peace and comfort to there hearts. He is now R-I-P in the arms of our Lord and Saviour!
Stay at Rest & Peace Always
Carol Angir
April 28, 2016
Griot you were the greatest. You made mama Africa proud. I enjoyed listening to your music and everyone knew i loved your music . Gone you are but your music will live on from AmiO to Kaokoko korobo and of course Triple Option. Fare thee well Griot you took your leave on stage where you belonged. Au Revoir!
brian kwena
April 28, 2016
heartfelt condolonces, the king of rumba musica, rumba matata God will surely show you the way.
RABSON MUTALE
April 27, 2016
Hearfelt condolences to Mrs Wemba and family and friends close to Papa Wemba and beyond. God's Mercies bevupon all as we mourn another great son os Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
F j
April 27, 2016
My condolence to the family. May God bring you please
April 27, 2016
My condolences to the family during this difficult time and days to come.
April 27, 2016
My condolences to the Wemba family. In your hour of grief may young find the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
April 27, 2016
I want to express my deepest sympathy of your great loss. May you continue find comfort among family / friends during this most difficult times. May you find comfort with these words at Hosea 13 : 14.
Dianne
carlotta
April 26, 2016
MY condolences to the Wemba family for the loss of your love one. May the God of all comfort and peace strengthen you at this difficult time.
Carolyn Lawrence
April 26, 2016
To the family: May care and love of those around provide comfort and peace get you through the days ahead. My sincere condolences.
Betty Wilson
April 26, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
L
April 25, 2016
During this grievous time may you draw ever closer to God who will comfort you at this time.
Andrea
April 25, 2016
I'm so very sorry for your loss, may the peace that surpasses all understanding helps you as you cope with your loss.
Rick
April 25, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the WEMBA FAMILY in their time of grief. Please take comfort in knowing that 'God' is with those "broken at heart" at this sadden time.
Scott Chamberland
April 25, 2016
Rest in Peace
April 25, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 25, 2016
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. May God strengthen you and help you endure.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 25, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
Evans family
April 25, 2016
We send our family condolences to PAPA Wemba family. May God Almighty be your strength and support. Our sincere condolences.
gerry wakhonya
April 25, 2016
Papa,you have really shown to the world how rhumba music is.I am in particular going to miss your voice.
R.I.P Papa mzee fulangenge mwalimu.
Papa cindy Gerry wakhonya
ali yussuf
April 25, 2016
rest in peace papa wemba...we wil miss u tanzanian people...
G. Freeman
April 24, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Derek Greaves
April 24, 2016
Enjoyed his music...RIP
April 24, 2016
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Papa Wemba. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort. (2 Cor: 1:3)
April 24, 2016
May the love and mercy of God be with the Wemba family,during your time of grief...nc
Adrian Barnette
April 24, 2016
We'll miss you !
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