Papa Wemba, the Congolese musician often described as the "King of Congolese Rhumba" who passed away recently in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, has been posthumously honoured by President Joseph Kabila with the National Order of the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of that country’s highest honours.
In an emotional speech at the funeral ceremony in Kinshasha recently, Papa Wemba’s eldest daughter (see video in French) expressed profound thanks to President Kabila for his support to the bereaved family.
"We now consider you part of our family," she told the President.
The late Papa Wemba (photo) was known and appreciated as a very talented musician all over Africa and beyond. He played a kind of music that was very close to African traditional music fused with modern and external influences.
He was one of the few remaining members of a generation of African musicians that totally revolutionised African music and stamped it on the global consciousness.
He was also a world musician.
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