Famous for his flamboyant sense of style and emotional Lingala vocals, Papa Wemba is the ambassador of a truly global African music. Originally part of the adventurous Kinshasa music scene, Wemba departed for Paris in 1986, heralding an international chapter in his career.

In 1996, Wemba joined Youssou N?Dour and other leading African musicians on an epic consciousness-raising journey through war-torn Africa, sponsored by the International Red Cross, and released the single ?So Why?? to raise profits for the war victims. He now performs regularly with his international band Molokai.

In November of 2004, a French court sentenced Papa Wemba to 30 months in prison and a fine of 10,000 euros. The Correctional Court of Bobigny, in the outskirts of Paris, found Papa Wemba guilty of participating in an illegal immigration network.

Papa Wemba was accused of introducing hundreds of undocumented immigrants in France, from 2000 through 2002, disguising them as musicians or dancers of his band. He charged the immigrants 3,000 to 5,000 euros per person.

The smuggling ring was discovered in 2000 when several Congolese nationals arrived to Paris? Charles de Gaulle airport, claiming to be musicians working for Papa Wemba?s band. None of them carried musical instruments nor luggage.

Papa Wemba did not return to prison since he had already served his time in preventive custody.

Official Web Site: http://www.papawemba.net/

Papa Wemba (EMI, 1988)

Le Voyageur ( Juggler Records/ Real World, 1991)

Emotion (1995)