The
Congolese star was performing in Abidjan in the Ivory Coast when he
dramatically fell to the floor
An African
rumba singer collapsed on stage mid-way through a song and later died.
Congolese
star Papa Wemba was performing in Abidjan in the Ivory Coast when he dramatically
fell to the floor. Footage from the show revealed his backing singers rushing over
to help the stricken star.
Local media
later reported he had suffered a seizure and died aged 66.
Real name
Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, he was one of Africa's most popular
musicians.
Organisers
from FEMUA later confirmed Papa Wemba had died during a press conference.
His press
spokesman Henry Christmas Mbuta Vokia, told local station Radio Okapi:
"Around 5:10, time of Abidjan, Papa Wemba was announced on stage.
"He
sang the first and the second song. While singing the third song, he collapsed.
"I was
following the concert live on television. I saw the dancers surround Papa
Wemba. I thought it was a scene for the concert.
"But
then I see people from the Ivorian Red Cross pop up on stage.
"Suddenly
we cut the signal of the Ivorian television. I tried to talk to call the
manager of Papa Wemba abroad, Cornelie.
"He
told me that Papa Wemba fell during a concert.
"I
remember ten minutes later, I was told that he is in intensive care. I call
thirty minutes after, Cornelie told me that Papa Wemba passed away."
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