Papa Wemba
Papa Wemba | |
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Papa Wemba in 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba 14 June 1949 |
| Died | 24 April 2016 (aged 66) |
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| Years active | 1969–2016 |
| Website | www |
Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba 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. Dubbed the "King of Rumba Rock", 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, with whom he performed on stages throughout the world.