# Papa Wemba

> Congolese singer, musician and actor (1949-2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q736274](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q736274)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papa_Wemba)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/papa-wemba

## Summary
Papa Wemba was a Congolese singer, musician, and actor (1949–2016) who was a key figure in the development of soukous, an African music genre that emerged in the 1960s. He is celebrated for his contributions to Congolese music and his role as a recording artist and film score composer.

## Biography
- Born: 1949
- Nationality: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Known for: Pioneering soukous music and acting in films
- Employer(s): Real World Records (associated with)
- Field(s): Music, film

## Contributions
Papa Wemba was a prominent figure in the Congolese music scene, contributing to the development of soukous. He worked with Real World Records, a British world music label, and was involved in film scoring and acting. His work helped shape the sound of African music in the 1960s and beyond.

## FAQs
- **What was Papa Wemba's primary occupation?** Papa Wemba was a singer, musician, and actor, known for his work in soukous and film.
- **Where was Papa Wemba active?** He was active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and associated with Real World Records.
- **What genre of music did Papa Wemba contribute to?** He was a key figure in the development of soukous, an African music genre that emerged in the 1960s.

## Why They Matter
Papa Wemba played a crucial role in the evolution of soukous, a genre that became a defining sound of African music. His work influenced later artists and helped establish Congolese music on the global stage. Without his contributions, the development of soukous and its impact on African music would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Pioneered soukous music in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Associated with Real World Records, a British world music label.
- Known for his work as a film score composer and actor.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Papa Wemba was born in 1949 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He began his career in music and acting, becoming a key figure in the development of soukous. His work in the 1960s helped shape the genre, which later gained international recognition.

### Music and Film Contributions
Papa Wemba was a recording artist and songwriter, contributing to the growth of soukous. He also composed film scores and acted in films, further expanding his influence in the entertainment industry. His collaborations with Real World Records helped introduce Congolese music to a global audience.

### Influence and Legacy
Papa Wemba's contributions to soukous and African music have had a lasting impact. His work influenced later generations of musicians and helped establish Congolese music as a significant cultural export. His legacy continues to be celebrated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond.

## References

1. [Le Monde](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2016/04/24/le-chanteur-papa-wemba-roi-de-la-rumba-congolaise-est-mort_4907789_3382.html/)
2. Dictionary of African Biography
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. BnF authorities
9. IMDb
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. filmportal.de
12. [Source](http://www.radiookapi.net/2016/04/24/actualite/culture/le-chanteur-congolais-papa-wemba-est-decede)
13. Le Monde
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. BBC Things
17. Discogs
18. Library of Congress Control Number
19. Genius API
20. YouTube API
21. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data