Papa Wemba

Papa Wemba
ONH
Papa Wemba in 2009
Papa Wemba in 2009
Background information
Birth nameJules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba
Born(1949-06-14)14 June 1949
Lubefu, Belgian Congo
(now Sankuru, DR Congo)
Died24 April 2016(2016-04-24) (aged 66)
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • dancer
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • bandleader
Years active1960s–2016
Websitewww.papawemba.info

Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba[1] ONH (14 June 1949 – 24 April 2016), known professionally as Papa Wemba (French pronunciation: [papa wɛmba]), was a Congolese singer and musician who played Congolese rumba, soukous, and ndombolo.[2] Dubbed the "King of Rumba Rock",[1] he was one of the most popular musicians of his time in Africa and played an important role in world music. He was also a fashion icon who popularized the Sape look and style through his musical group Viva la Musica,[3][4][5] with whom he performed on stages throughout the world.[6]

  1. ^ a b Ray, Rita (25 April 2016). "What made Papa Wemba so influential?". BBC News. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  2. ^ "Papa Wemba & viva la musica - dances". Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  3. ^ "Papa Wemba, Congo music star, dies after stage collapse". BBC News. 24 April 2016.
  4. ^ Errol Barnett (9 November 2012). "Congo's fashion cult: Cut from a different cloth". CNN.
  5. ^ Andreas Preuss (24 April 2016). "Papa Wemba, Africa's 'King of Rhumba Rock,' dies". CNN.com. Retrieved 25 April 2016. He dressed his band, Viva La Musica, in the style, and fans across Africa soon followed suit.
  6. ^ Margalit Fox (25 April 2016). "Papa Wemba, Congolese King of 'Rumba Rock,' Is Dead at 66". The New York Times. 26 April 2016.