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Papa Wemba's death: Thousands mourn in Kinshasa Papa Wemba's death: Thousands mourn in Kinshasa
(about 3 hours later)
Thousands of people are attending the first day of official commemorations in the Democratic Republic of Congo to mark the sudden death of music star Papa Wemba. Thousands of mourners are attending 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.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.Papa Wemba will be buried on Wednesday.
Known as the king of Congolese rumba, the 66-year-old collapsed and died on stage in Ivory Coast on 24 April. Known as the king of Congolese rumba, the 66-year-old died after collapsing on stage in Ivory Coast on 24 April.
President Joseph Kabila delivered a tribute to the singer at the memorial held at the parliamentary building, and awarded him one the DR Congo's highest honours for the "loyal and eminent services given to the nation".
An enormous red hat, modelled on the one Papa Wemba was wearing at the time of his death, stood above his coffin.
A life-sized effigy of the singer stood next to it.
Fans from all over DR Congo are attending the memorial, the BBC's Maud Jullien reports from Kinshasa.
These include mourners from the Society of Elegant People, known as the Sapeurs, who saw Papa Wemba as a god of fashion.
Who was Papa Wemba?
Papa Wemba was born Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba in June 1949 in Lubefu, in what was then the Belgian Congo.
He was considered one of Africa's most influential musicians and pioneered modern Congolese soukous music, which spread through the continent.
In a career which spanned over four decades, he collaborated with stars like Peter Gabriel and Stevie Wonder.
What made Papa Wemba so influential?What made Papa Wemba so influential?
African stars pay tribute to Papa Wemba Obituary: Papa Wemba
In photos: Congo music legend Papa Wemba BBC Papa Wemba playlist
President Joseph Kabila delivered a tribute to the singer at the parliamentary building, and awarded him one the DR Congo's highest honours for the "loyal and eminent services given to the nation" What Papa Wemba meant to Congolese musicians
Fans from all over DR Congo are attending the official commemoration, the BBC's Maud Jullien reports from Kinshasa. "Papa Wemba brought Congolese music to the world. He showed another part of Congolese music. He's an icon.
A stage has been set up outside the building for people unable to get in, our correspondent adds. Lokua Kanza, Congolese Singer
Papa Wemba was considered one of Africa's most influential musicians. "Papa Wemba was for me a father. We lost the biggest artist in DRC. Politicians [from all sides] are [even] prepared to meet because of his death.
He pioneered modern Congolese soukous music, which spread through the continent. Lexxus Legal, Congolese hip hop artist
In his career which spanned over four decades, he collaborated with stars like Peter Gabriel or Stevie Wonder.