Papa Wemba

Biography

Papa Wemba was a Congolese singer, songwriter, and actor who popularized Congolese rumba and African popular music internationally. As the "King of Rumba", he's regarded as one of Africa's greatest vocalists and performers. A founding member of Zaïko Langa Langa, Wemba co-founded influential groups Isifi Lokole and Yoka Lokole before launching his own band Viva La Musica in 1977.