Thousands to pay tribute to Papa Wemba

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AFP

Image caption

Papa Wemba died after collapsing on stage at a music festival in Ivory Coast

Thousands of people are expected to attend the first day of official commemorations in the Democratic Republic of Congo to mark the sudden death of music star Papa Wemba.

His body is lying in the parliamentary building in the capital, Kinshasa, and will be taken later to his family home for the public to view.

Papa Wemba will be buried on Wednesday.

Known as the king of Congolese rumba, he collapsed and died on stage in Ivory Coast on 24 April.

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Huge posters of the musician have been hung on the facade of the Palais du Peuple, the Congolese National Assembly, reports the BBC’s Maud Jullien from Kinshasa.

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Papa Wemba’s body is in the parliamentary building

Fans from all over DR Congo are expected to the attend the official commemoration, which will be addressed by President Joseph Kabila.

A stage has been set up outside the building for people who who will not be able to get in, our correspondent adds.

Papa Wemba, who died aged 66, was considered one of Africa’s most influential musicians of his generation.

He pioneered modern Congolese soukous music, which spread through the continent.

In his 40 year career he collaborated with stars like Peter Gabriel or Stevie Wonder.

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