Africa's Papa Wemba pioneers new styles of music, clothes

Papa Wemba

In this story: 'More of a singer than a poseur' Melancholy sights and sounds RELATED SITES

From Gary Imlach
CNN WorldBeat Correspondent

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (CNN) -- Papa Wemba is one of Africa's most flamboyant musicians, in artistic style and fashion tastes. He was one of the pioneers of the African Rhumba-rock movement 30 years ago, playing to packed houses in Kinshasa.

In the early '80s, Papa Wemba felt the urge to move beyond the rythmical roots of his homeland, so he relocated to Paris with his band Viva La Musica. In the French capital, he became a truly international artist.

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"I'm speaking from the heart when I say that Paris has allowed me to go everywhere -- to reach the summit of international show business," he said.

"I've played with guitarists like Eric Clapton ... even with English rock singers like Peter Gabriel. It's a privilege for me, and it's all thanks to Paris."

Papa Wemba's style of dress could be described as international as well -- certainly no single country would want to take responsiblity for all of it. At one point, Papa Wemba founded a club that translates as the "Society of Poseurs and Persons of Elegance."

"Ah, that's an old joke," he said. "That was a long time ago. We were all well-dressed back then, and even today I like to maintain my elegance because I love clothes and I spend a lot of money on clothes. But it's a movement that doesn't exist anymore -- except in name.

"I'm much more of a singer than a poseur, but I love dressing up."

A pioneer of the African Rhuma-rock movement 30 years ago, Zaire native Papa Wemba continues to sing in his mother tongue

Papa Wemba may have left his native Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), but he hasn't turned his back on his homeland. Four years ago, he joined a Red Cross tour of the region's war zones.

"It was something very painful," he said, "because we were among people who were taking part in war -- who knew (nothing but) war, whose lives were consumed by war, who'd seen people die all around them."

Papa Wemba continues to sing in his mother tongue and in the style of his mother. She was a professional funeral mourner who sang at funerals. He opened his performance at the WOMAD (World of Music Arts and Dance) festival in Prague last month, with the stirring acapella number "Excuse Me."

"I grew up with that kind of singing -- that melancholy sound," he said. "That really influenced me. Even today I always sing in the minor key ... because the minor is the heart, the soul."

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