Papa Wemba - Biography
By Nick Castro
Papa Wemba is one of the largest figures in the Congolese soukous music scene of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Wemba was born Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, in 1949, in what is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has gained the name the King of Rhumba Rock for both his incredible musicianship as well as his wild performing style. He is famous for having been part of the band Zaiko Langa Langa, since its inception in 1969, along with other famous musicians such as Evoloko Lay Lay, Teddy Sukami and Nyoka Longo Jossart. Although he is very famous in his home country, he did not reach audiences in the rest of the word until the late 80's. Other bands he has worked with include Yoka Lokole and Isifi Lokole. When Wemba was born, his country was still known as the Belgian Congo. He was born into the Tetela tribe, and is said to be an actual descendant of the warrior chiefs of his tribe. When he was still young his family moved to the capital of Kinshasa. His mother was a funeral singer and Wemba is said to have learned much of his trade from her. Both if his parent has passed by his early 20's. Wemba had ambitions of achieving international success, which he did with his group Molokai International. Many western musicians have showed tremendous interest in Wemba, including Peter Gabriel who had Wemba headline his World of Music and Dance. After Wemba's father' death, Wemba joined the Catholic church and sang in a choir but soon he left religious music in favor of the emerging soukous style.
The group that was founded with the help of Wemba, Zaiko Langa Langa, proved to be hugely influential throughout the world. Many of the musicians who have traveled through its ranks have been coined Clan Langa Langa. Other than Wemba, notable members have included Choc Stars, Bozi Boizana and WaWa. Originally in the shadow of musicians like Nico, Franco and Tabu Ley Rochereau, but with their new sound they carved a niche for themselves. Wemba recorded many of the early Zaiko Langa Langa records with the group. Some in Zaire, as it was known during Zaiko Langa Laga's early days, referred to Wemba as Presley due to his heavy American influence on his singing style. When Zaire underwent a for of cultural revolution, under president Mobutu Sese Seko, Zaire became legendary in their own country for representing youth culture through their music. Wemba also began to develop a style that was uniquely Zairean, as he shed his Eropena and American influences in favor a nationalist approach. Many of the band's songs that became famous included "C'est La Vérité", "Chouchouna" and "Pauline". Wemba would stay with the group until 1974, when he left to form new bands.
In the late 70's Wemba began to develop a type of commune for musicians called the Molokai Village, in Kinshasa. During the time of his new group, Viva La Musica, Wemba first adopted the name Papa. They took their name from the title of a Johnny Pacheco album, which they held in high regard and as a source of inspiration. Although the country's government was still at the height of their obsession with national identity, Wemba blatantly steered his newest group towards a far more European and American style, both in sound and in dress. They would often wear expensive, european style suits and clothes for their live performances. The government began to scrutinize the group but Wemba would always be sure to include just enough nationalist themes in his songs that he was able to pass under the radar. Some of the musicans to come out of Wemba's village include Koffi Olomide, Dindo Yogo and Kester Emeneya.
It was in 1977, Wemba traveled to Paris and upon his return, was determined to bring his music abroad. He wanted to take his group abroad but tight government regulations only allowed state sponsored acts to travel for work. Knowing this was an impossibility Wemba left for Paris himself and joined a new band there, Afrisa International. The group proved to be a success with songs like "Levres Roses" and "Ngambo Moko". Afrisa International ended up touring through Africa and Europe.
In the 80's Wemba released a plethora of albums outside of the Zairean music scene. He felt stifled by the governments stern rule and is said to have turned his back on the country. Wemba left Zaire for Belgium and recorded his first album in a non-Zairean format. The Belgians were thrilled with Wemba's presence and they even made a documentary about him called Chef Coutumier de la Rumba Rock. Anothe rlandmark of the times is when Wemba appeared in the Zairean film La Vie est Belle, the first to be made in decades.
Wemba released a series of solo albums in the late 80's and 90's such as L'Esclave (1986 - Gitta), which was such a big hit that it stayed on the charts for six months. He also released Papa Wemba et Viva La Musica (1990 - Sonodisc), which consisted of four Wemba compositions including "Love Kilawu", "Vivi" and "Galilée". His album Le Voyageur (1992 - Earthbeat) was another popular album for Wemba in the afropop scene. The standout tracks on the album are definitely the album's opener, "Maria Valencia" ,and the title song, "Le Voyageur". Wemba had found a way to incorporate many elements of American r&b, soul and funk.
One of his more recent works are Somo Trop (2003 - Sonodisc), which is a double album featuring two different bands and many of Wemba's own compositions, and And Viva La Musica: Foridoles (2006 - Suave).
In 2003 Wemba was arrested at his Paris home for being involved in an illegal ring of smugglers, bringing in immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Europe. He served a short time in jail and has paid enormous fines and legal fees. He is still revered as one of the fathers of soukous music. Four decades of albums have made his influence span lifetimes for many Congolese musicians.
