DRC: Félix Tshisekedi unveils a Monument in honor of Musician Papa Wemba

The President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, paid tribute to the renowned Congolese singer Papa Wemba by unveiling a monument dedicated to the artist in Kinshasa on November 8th.

Numerous personalities from the Congolese political and cultural world, as well as members of the artist’s immediate family, including his wife Luzolo «Amazone», participated in this event.

Speaking on behalf of the residents of Kinshasa, the Vice Minister of Mines, Godard Motemona, expressed his satisfaction with the creation of this monument and thanked the Head of State for his presence at the ceremony.

The Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Pme Catherine Furaha, appealed to the Head of State, saying, «Through this act that you have performed today, I would like to request that you accelerate the process of signing ordinances so that the monument of Papa Wemba that you have unveiled, along with those in Kinshasa and throughout the DRC, can be officially recognized and classified by the ordinance you will sign. This will enable us to compile a well-documented dossier to submit to UNESCO».

Papa Wemba succeeded in promoting the identity of the Congolese people wherever he sang, using four national languages and that of his mother, Tetela.

He was not only a great musician but also a renowned fashion model who showcased Congolese, African, and global fashion.

The Papa Wemba statue represents a powerful symbol of recognition for this exceptional artist.

It will serve as a permanent reminder of his contribution to the cultural and musical richness of the Democratic Republic of Congo while inspiring future generations to follow his example.

This initiative underscores the importance of honoring iconic figures in Congolese culture and preserving their legacy for generations to come.

Papa Wemba, also known as «Bakala dia Kuba», was born in 1949 and passed away in 2016 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, following a sudden illness during a performance.