‘Step Aga,’ Others, Mourn Papa Wemba’s Death

Port Harcourt based music
star, Mr. Stephen Asiga popularly known as the “humble-preacher man” has joined the music world in mourning the death of Africa’s King of Rumba rock Papa Wemba who died last Sunday, few hours after collapsing on stage in Abidjan, (Cote d’ivoire) at the age of 66.
The gospel reggae singer who spoke with The Tide Entertainment recently, described the Iconic Musician as a role model to African Musicians who brought fame and wealth to the music profession. He noted that his death is a big loss not only to African musicians but to the entire music world and humanity. According to him, one of the ways to immortalize him is to keep his flag flying by sustaining his great exploits in music and lifestyle.
Other world figures who also spoke on the demise of the great musician include the Congolese President Joseph Kabila and the Congelese Culture minister Baudouin Banza Mukalay who called his death a great loss to the country and all of Africa, while BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Ixtra’s African music Ambassador D. J. Edu said “I would put him in the same bracket as Fela Kuti when it comes to influence in African music,” we have lost a golden voice.”
Born in 1949, Wemba whose real name is shungu Wemba Dio Pre Kikunba began his singing career in religious choir. He helped modernize Congolese Rumba Music with the genre that emerged Soukuos influencing music in Africa, together with his bands Zaiko Langa Langa, Isifi and Viva la musica he raked up hit after hit including L’E SCLAVE and la voyageur. His pioneering blend of Africa and western sound became one of Africa’s most popular music styles.
In the course of his six decade long music career, Wember toured with Steve Wonder, he also toured around the world and recorded with British Artist, Peter Gabriel, His Collabo with Peter earned him a gold disc. He has also appeared in two feature films titled “Life is Beautiful” in 1987 and “Wild Games” in 1997. Wemba was also famed for his flambouyant dressing. The style Icon was the driving force behind the cultural movement “The Sapeurs” whose young men spend vast amount on designer clothes.