Zimpapers Logo

Papa Wemba

Arts Correspondent

Popular DJs will tomorrow perform at Bar Rouge at a show that is meant to celebrate the life of Democratic Republic of Congo’s rhumba king Papa Wemba who died at the age of 66, after collapsing on stage in Ivory Coast on April 24. Dubbed “Rhumba Night”, the event will see DJ Buzzy and DJ Bennie — both former Chez Ntemba selectors — taking charge of the wheels. In an interview, DJ Buzzie said the show is meant to pay tribute to the rhumba icon as well as serenade rhumba music lovers.

“We are going to be playing some of Papa Wemba’s songs and other rhumba music, the aim being to spread the genre all over so as to fulfil the heart desire of Papa Wemba who died while on stage,” he said.

One of the organisers of the show Sheba Motsi said Papa Wemba was an African legend who deserves to be remembered and honoured for the role that he played in the continent’s music industry especially the rhumba genre.

“There are people who have sacrificed their lives to music and who have worked tirelessly in putting the African continent on an international map and Papa Wemba is one of them. Because of his contributions in the music industry across the globe we as Bar Rouge have seen it fit to celebrate his life tomorrow,” she said.

Motsi has urged all rhumba lovers to come in their numbers to give their respect to the rhumba star.

Papa Wemba was born Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba in June 1949 in Lubefu, in what was then the Belgian Congo.

He was considered one of Africa’s most influential musicians and pioneered modern Congolese soukous music, which spread through the continent.

In a career which spanned over four decades, he collaborated with stars like Peter Gabriel and Stevie Wonder.