On April 24, 2016, the sun set on an illustrious son of Africa and musical legend. Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba was his name, but the world knew him as Papa Wemba.
That was nine years ago, but the Congolese rhumba star’s legacy lives on. Africa remembers him as one of the pioneer artistes who transcended three generations of distinct musical styles.
The three styles were traditional Rhumba, Soukous, and Ndombolo — all of which Papa Wemba embraced with ease in his compositions.
Some of his popular songs included Show Me the Way, Maria Valencia, and Kaokokokorobo.
He was known for his flair in stage performances and songs that drew large crowds during live shows in his days with the Zaiko Langa Langa Orchestra.
During his career, Wemba competed with the likes of Franco Luambo Makiadi’s TP OK Jazz Band and Tabu Ley’s Africa International Orchestra, producing a number of popular hits in the ’80s and ’90s.
Born on June 14, 1949, in Lubefu, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Papa Wemba died on April 24, 2016, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, at the age of 66.
He was buried in his home country in Kinshasa.
His body was welcomed back to Kinshasa by thousands of Congolese who lined the streets. His remains were escorted by the Ivorian culture minister and received by then DRC Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo.
Inspired by Mother
Wemba’s father was a World War II veteran who later became a hunter by the time the musician was born.
His mother, Shungu Wembadio — who died in 1973 — was a professional dirge singer. She introduced Papa Wemba to music through the church choir.
Like many musicians, Wemba began his journey in the church choir of the Roman Catholic Church in DRC during the 1960s.
He joined the Zaiko Langa Langa band in Kinshasa in 1969, where he adopted the name Jules Presley due to his love for rock music. This phase saw him produce hits such as Pauline, C’est la Vérité, Chouchouna, and Liwa Ya Somo.
He left Zaiko Langa Langa in 1974, alongside several members, to form the Isifi Lokole band.
Isifi Lokole lasted only a year and produced a single hit, Amazone, before Wemba moved on to create Yoka Lokole, which he co-founded with members from the previous group.
However, Yoka Lokole struggled due to financial disagreements.
In 1977, Papa Wemba formed a new group, Viva la Musica, which flourished and produced several hits including Moku Nyon Nyon, Nyekesse Miguel, and Cou Cou Dindon.
In 1979, he relocated to France to join Tabu Ley’s Afrisa International, before forming a second version of Viva la Musica in Paris a year later. This version focused on Western music, while the original band continued to perform more traditional sounds.
Papa Wemba’s legacy includes mentoring many young musicians, and his influence went beyond music.
He was also seen as a fashion icon.
Besides live performances, he featured in several films and documentaries, including a cameo in the 2012 Belgian film Kinshasa Kids.
Time in Prison
At times, Wemba found himself on the wrong side of the law and was jailed in both France and the DRC.
“In 2004, he was convicted of people-smuggling in France and spent three months in prison. The conviction related to a racket whereby illegal immigrants were taken to Europe posing as members of his band,” the BBC reported after his death.
“He was also once jailed in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) for allegedly having an affair with a general’s daughter.”
Many consider him a contemporary of Koffi Olomide, now 68, who is among the most popular rhumba artistes of the 20th century.
Those still in love with Wemba’s music remember fondly his performances in Nairobi.
“During the different festivals Wemba featured in, we loved his stage shows in Nairobi,” said a music promoter who later fell out with the fallen musician.
Papa Wemba performed at several events in Nairobi, including two Koroga Festivals and Airtel Festivals. He was known for his energetic stage presence, which showcased his charisma and authority.
He often sang about love and social issues, promoting these themes through his music.
“We loved his music for many reasons, even though he couldn’t quite match the legends like Franco and Tabu Ley Rochereau. We still loved his music,” said James Alfred Onyango, an ardent rhumba fan from Mombasa.
“Even though he didn’t surpass Franco or Tabu Ley, he gave us popular songs that could stand with the best — just like Baba Gaston. We are still celebrating Papa Wemba,” added Willy Shamoni, a fan.