Papa Wemba

Papa Wemba, the influential "King of Rhumba," blended African traditions with Western influences, starting with Zaiko Langa Langa in 1970 and later leading Isife Lokole and Viva la Musica. Raised in the Belgian Congo, his mother's influence sparked his singing career, leading to hits like "Pauline" and "C'est la Vérité." Forming Viva la Musica in 1977, Wemba's music reflected an authenticity campaign, gaining popularity among Congo's youth.

In the late '70s, Wemba sought a European following, joining Afrisa International before relocating to Paris to form a second version of Viva la Musica. He continued to fuse African sounds with Western pop influences, collaborating with notable producers like Stephen Hague. Despite a brief prison stint in the early 2000s, Wemba continued to record and perform until his sudden death in 2016 at age 66.