Papa Wemba Research Paper

African music is one that we all know to be upbeat and danceable. I chose to do my African musician research on Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, who is also known as Papa Wemba. I chose him because of the fact that he has recently passed, so me choosing him in a way gives him respect. Papa Wemba was an influential asset of his time due to the fact that he was one of the most prosperous African musicians in world music. He was a famous, sometimes infamous Congolese singer/musician who played illustrious forms of Congolese rumba, soukous and ndombolo forms of music. He was not only a musical icon, but Papa Wemba was very fashionable. Papa Wemba's road to stardom began when he joined the music group “Zaiko Langa Langa,” whose name means

Papa Zemba’s plethora of achievements included his success as founders if the famous music groups Isifi Lokole and Yoka Lokole. He was also an influential asset to many other groups. During Wemba’s career, he spent a lot of time traveling to Paris, exploring the world around him and expanding his musical talent. At one point in his life, Papa Wemba was referred to as infamous rather than famous. Papa Wemba earned himself a jail sentence for his involvement in people smuggling. He smuggled people from his region of Congo into Europe. When he was released, he made it known that he was traveling a new, brighter route in his life. During a performance, Papa Memba sung to his death. He stated once, though, that he wanted to die performing. Reverting to his music’s style, Papa Memba created music that flowed smoothly through your ears and infused creative beams of music that keep you aware. He is different from other musicians in my opinion because you can actually sing along to his songs and enjoy it rather than be confused. After listening to Papa Wemba's music I've heard layered ostinatos with various repetition, improvisation, and distinctive pitch systems and scales. I also hear many instruments being played throughout the beats similar to those we discussed in lectures pertaining to