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Papa Wemba
The trajectory of Papa Wemba's musical career was long, varied and adventurous. Years of youthful apprenticeship during the '60s and '70s in the clubs of Kinshasa, Zaire, led to Wemba pioneering a new, aggressive afro-pop known as 'rhumba-rock.' He became one of the most enduring artists who have recorded for Real World Records. Papa Wemba released three albums for the label— Le Voyageur (1992), Emotion (1995) and 1998’s Molokai, a live studio recording of classic hits and new songs. He is featured on the compilations Voices of the Real World and Spirit of Africa. He also appeared on the Big Blue Ball album project. Papa Wemba was one of the greatest vocalists Real World Records has worked with— not just from Africa but in the world. It was an honour to have been involved in his illustrious career. The release of Emotion was a real turning point for Papa Wemba and one of his most important albums. As an artist he was quiet and enigmatic but ready to embrace change, challenging the foundations of his music and seeking new territories and new audiences. Working with producer Stephen Hague and Lokua Kanza alongside Papa Wemba’s fantastic band at Real World Studios was one of the most exciting sessions in the label’s history. “I had the great pleasure of working with Papa on his Emotion album in 1995. I only knew of him as a singer when we started the project, but through a number of sessions at Real World, and at studios in London and Paris, I got to know him as a man, and experience first hand his integrity, grace and humour. Always kind to those around him, but with just enough edge to remind you why he was the Papa, he was a true gentleman and a consummate musician. And man, could he sing! “He died onstage… an artist to the last breath. Bonne soirée Monsieur Wemba… good luck at your next stop.” —Stephen Hague, producer of Emotion Peter Gabriel describes Papa Wemba as, “such an extraordinary talent – music flowed out of him effortlessly and he could thrill people with one of the most beautiful and emotional voices I have ever heard. His music was full of gentle rhythms and joy, but the passion came from the power of his singing, which always carried a sadness, especially in his high voice, which I found really moving. I remember talking to Chris Blackwell about all the great voices of Africa and he said that Wemba was the greatest of them all… I feel very privileged to have known him and to have had the chance to write, record and tour with one of the world’s greatest singers and musicians.”

Songs

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1
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War And Crime
Papa Wemba & Youssou N'Dour
2
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Chacun pour soi (feat. Diamond Platnumz) (feat. Diamond Platnumz)
Papa Wemba
3
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Yolele
Papa Wemba
4
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Nzete ya séquoia
Viva la Musica
5
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Wake up
Papa Wemba

Albums

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Viva La Musica 1978 - 1980 Volume 2

2023
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Maître d'école

2014
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La Naissance De L'orchestre Viva La Musica (feat. Viva La Musica)

2011
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Femme Sans Bijoux

2021
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Ya Biso Moko (Nouvelle écriture)

2014
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Notre père Rumba

2009
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100% Papa Wemba Vol.3 (10 Essential Titles)

2018
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Mwana Matebu

2011
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Mayi ya pembe (Liso ya mokonzi)

2015
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Voyage Ya Poto

2011

Singles & EPs

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Yolele

Single • 2026
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Mandola

Single • 2026
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Beau Gosse Ya Paris

EP • 2020
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Show Me The Way

Single • 2026
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Show Me The Way

Single • 2026
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Honneur pour la paix

Single • 2019
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M’Fono Yami

Single • 2026
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Yolele

Single • 2022
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Yolele

Single • 2026
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Le jour j (Nouvelle génération à Paris)

EP • 2021

Videos

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Chacun pour soi (feat. Diamond Platnumz)

Papa Wemba • 617K views
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Six millions ya ba soucis (feat. Nathalie Makoma)

Papa Wemba • 3.1M views
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Papa Wemba - JP Walter

Viva Tendances & Papa Wemba • 1.3M views
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Papa Wemba - Triple Option Feat Barbara Kanam (Clip Officiel)

Papa Wemba • 3.8M views
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Papa Wemba - Est ce que

Papa Wemba • 258K views

Live performances

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Video rare Papa Wemba et Kester live Paris 1987

Papa Wemba Officiel • 20K views
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Viva La Musica de Papa Wemba Tokyo 1986

Papa Wemba • 15K views
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Papa Wemba - Simple Rêve, Oyebi, Ma Rosa, Nandimi, Kaporal (Live)

Papa Wemba Officiel • 44K views
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Papa Wemba et Diamond Platnumz - Chacun pour Soi (Session Studio)

Papa Wemba Officiel • 157K views
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Papa Wemba - Araignée (Live)

Papa Wemba Officiel • 8.5K views
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Papa Wemba - Ainsi soit-il (Gospel Live)

Papa Wemba Officiel • 92K views

Featured on

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C'est Makossa

Playlist • YouTube Music

Playlists by Papa Wemba

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Papa Wemba - Maître d'Ecole (Full Album CD2)

Playlist • Papa Wemba Officiel • 389K views
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Papa Wemba - Forever de génération en génération

Playlist • Papa Wemba Officiel • 84K views

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