Papa Wemba dies after collapsing on stage
The influential Congolese music star Papa Wemba died after collapsing on stage in Abidjan in Ivory Coast, media reports said yesterday.
Video from the concert shows the artist, who was 66, slumped on the floor as dancers continue to perform, unaware of what is happening. French broadcaster France 24 confirmed the death, quoting his manager. On the African music scene since 1969, Papa Wemba won a world music following with his “rumba rock”.
He was inspired a cult movement known as the Sapeurs whose members, young men, spend huge amounts of money on designer clothes. In 2004, he was convicted in France of a role in an illegal immigration racket and spent three months in prison.
He remained one of Africa’s most popular musicians. Wemba, whose real name is Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, was pronounced dead on stage after singing his third song, according to reports in Congolese publication Radio Okapi. The cause of death is currently unknown.
BBC
Video from the concert shows the artist, who was 66, slumped on the floor as dancers continue to perform, unaware of what is happening. French broadcaster France 24 confirmed the death, quoting his manager. On the African music scene since 1969, Papa Wemba won a world music following with his “rumba rock”.
He was inspired a cult movement known as the Sapeurs whose members, young men, spend huge amounts of money on designer clothes. In 2004, he was convicted in France of a role in an illegal immigration racket and spent three months in prison.
He remained one of Africa’s most popular musicians. Wemba, whose real name is Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, was pronounced dead on stage after singing his third song, according to reports in Congolese publication Radio Okapi. The cause of death is currently unknown.
BBC
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