He had a distinct sense of fashion    Photo:Courtesy

By Wesley Kipng'enoh (@Wess_kipp)

The world is currently mourning the death of an African music icon, Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba Popularly known as Papa Wemba.

“Sometimes clothes are more than a fashion statement. Sometimes music is more than just what it sounds like," this is how an American writer described the late Papa Wemba's music and sense of fashion.

The 66-year-old collapsed on Saturday night while performing on stage in Abidjan and was later pronounced dead, ending almost five decades of successful music career that redefined his own home country and the African continent.

Papa Wemba in his 30's    Photo:Courtesy

Born in June of 1949 in the town of Lubefu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Papa Wemba rose to become one of the most influential musicians that broke from the popular Soukous band of Zaiko Langa Langa.

But besides music, Papa Wemba had a distinct sense of fashion. He had an uptown and outgoing style that rejuvenated him and perhaps brought his fans closer.

Looking at tributes paid by thousands on social media, it was clear from the photos that Papa Wemba was keen on what he was wearing. It is no wonder he headed a fashion group called Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People: A group that was well known for its stylish suits and hats.

Papa Wemba leaves behind a widow,  Marie-Rose Luzolo, six children and some of the best music beats the African continent has ever danced to.

Here are couples of photos that display his fine taste in fashion.

Both in his videos and real life, his fashion drove point home    Photo:Courtesy
In his last show in Abidjan he was dressed in A white linen African design shirt.
He had a away of matching his outfits     Photo:Courtesy

 

And sometimes he would go overboard               Photo:Courtesy

 

In Kinshasa, he headed fashion group called Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People   Photo:Courtesy

 

Papa Wemba's Perfomance of Rail on' . Check out the outfits     Photo: Courtesy