Papa Wemba then formed Viva la Musica, which provided a platform to showcase his talent without the stifling of would-be rivals. Viva La Musica was an immediate success.

The widow of Papa Wemba stands in front of his poster during a concert in tribute to him on April 27, 2016 at the Palace of Culture in Abidjan. (AFP) After working with other Kinshasa artists, Papa ...

Why Papa Wemba’s Legacy Will Outlive Us All “Le pape de la Sape” was a punk who changed music and fashion around the world.

After close to five decades of entertaining music lovers, popular Congolese rhumba and soukous legend Papa Wemba has died.

Papa Wemba was one of the most active ambassadors of Congolese urban music on the global stage. He did this by fusing international musical styles with authentic Congolese grooves.

With a new band, Viva La Musica, Wemba moved to Paris in the 1980s and helped popularize Congolese music beyond Africa. He toured in the 1990s with British rock star Peter Gabriel and appears on ...

Popular African musician Papa Wemba, who died recently, has been close to the heartbeat of the continent’s music. His influence will continue long after his death.

With a new band, Viva La Musica, Wemba moved to Paris in the 1980s and helped popularize Congolese music beyond Africa.