Rhumba Maestro Papa Wemba dies after stage collapse
The rhumba music fraternity and the world at large is mourning the death of renowned Congolese musician Papa Wemba born Jules Shungu Wembadio Pele Kikumba.
Papa Wemba passed on on Sunday 24th of April after collapsing while on stage during a concert in Abidjan Ivory Coast.
The born 1949 Papa was a renowned rhumba musician and many referred to him as the king of Congolese rumba.
He died at the age of 66 years leaving a big name in the African music industry.
According to reliable sources, Papa Wemba apparently collapsed in front of thousands of fans and was announced dead minutes after being rushed to a nearby clinic.
The cause of his death has not been revealed but his team says he was in perfect shape before he started performing.
His sudden death has left a blow to his fans, and many took to social media to mourn the fallen rumba king, including notable musicians, politicians and many more calling him an inspiration.
Suzanna Owiyo, a Kenyan musician wrote on her twitter account: King of Rhumba #PapaWemba, your sudden demise has left many wounded. What a big loss! Go sing for the Angels. #RIP
Mukhisa Kituyi the Secretary-General of UNCTAD. Promoting development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy wrote on his twitter account: Sad news: the passion of #PapaWemba, gifted composer great musical Amb. 4 Africa #Emotions
Wandia Njoya another fan wrote: #PapaWemba was the soundtrack of Africa. We’ll continue the struggle to teach music so that our kids remember.
Another fan Errol Bernett wrote: Heartbroken to hear of #PapaWemba’s death. Met in 2012 to discuss #Sapeurs he made me popular.
Papa will be remembered by his hit rhumba songs like ‘show me the way’, ‘mwasi’, ‘fa fa fa’, ‘wake up’ ft Koffi Olomide among many others.
