Rhumba fans are commemorating the death of Rhumba Star Papa Wemba who died seven years ago aged 69.
Wemba died on April 24, 2016, when he collapsed on stage in Ivory Coast. He rose to prominence in the shadows of musicians like Franco Luambo Makiadi of TP OK Jazz Band and Tabu Ley Rochereau of Afrisa International Orchestra.
The maestro, who had toured Kenya several times is popular with many musicians of this century.
"We loved him and his music still flows in our blood and is still loved by many of us here, in Africa and across the globe," Willice Obuya told The Standard.
Willice said emerging musicians can relate to the fallen legend's music and this means that it will survive the test of time.
Known in DRC as 'the King of Rumba Rock', Wemba's career began in the late 1960s. He was involved with the bands Zaiko Langa Langa and later Viva La Musica, which reached audiences across the world.
Eric Didia, a promoter of Congolese music in Ivory Coast and friend of Wemba five years ago told Reuters; "I do not know if this is a loss for African music, because the music does not die. People will listen to Papa Wemba's songs even 50 to 100 years from now."
He was known for mixing traditional African music with Western rock and worked with international stars including former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel.
Born Jules Shungu Pene Kikumba in what was then the Belgian Congo (DRC), he moved to Europe in the 1980s, taking his band Viva La Musica along with him.
Wemba faced trial in France in 2004 for smuggling people into Europe claiming to be his band and crew members and spent a short time in jail.
Elswehere, the body of the world-famous rhythm guitarist Lokassa Ya M'bongo arrived in Kinshasa, DRC on Friday last week from the US, Bilenge Musica Orchestra band leader Darzee Kalend has confirmed.
Lokassa died in the US from heart-related complications on March 14.
Former Fours Stars Orchestra singer and guitarist Syrian Mbenza said burial plans are underway.
"The death of Lokassa shocked all of us, and we are catching up with the reality before us. Hopefully, he will be buried in Kinshasa," said Mbenza speaking from France.
Lokassa, who died aged 77 was born into a musical family. He left behind seven children, who he had with his two wives.
