De Roma, in collaboration with Isabelle Mbuyi (Bambelle), is organising the second edition of the Bal Congolais. In 2026, we will warmly welcome you to pay tribute to Papa Wemba (1949-2016), who passed away ten years ago. A special band led by Chibida will present the musical project Dans la peau de Papa Wemba (In the Skin of Papa Wemba). 

Papa Wemba, born Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba in 1949 in Belgian Congo, became one of the greatest icons of African music. He co-founded Zaïko Langa Langa and later Viva la Musica, through which he mentored numerous talents such as King Kester Emeneya and Awilo Longomba. His career of nearly fifty years made him a legend of Congolese rumba, the genre he brought to international recognition. Although he incorporated influences from rock, ndombolo and world music, rumba remained his hallmark. He died in 2016 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, after collapsing during a performance.

Beyond his musical impact, Papa Wemba was a cultural figurehead. In the late 1970s he became the face of the SAPE movement, which placed fashion and elegance at the heart of Congolese culture. He was, after Tabu Ley Rochereau, the second Congolese artist to sign with an international label, Peter Gabriel’s Real World, where he released three albums. His first pan-African hit, Analengo (1980), paved the way for international recognition. In 1986 he moved to France, appeared in films such as La vie est belle, performed in the United States with Africa Oyé, and his music was even featured in Bernardo Bertolucci’s film Paradiso e Inferno. In doing so, he left a lasting legacy as both musician and cultural ambassador.

Line-up 

Singers
Chibida, Chabrown, Antonio Mees, Hewa Bora, Dikwan Erickson, Yemo Ifefo, Badi

Musicians
Costa Mbunda, Jordan, HBass, Merdie, Cédric Buya, Raphael De la Tige

2 Amazing Dancers

Project Initiation
Chibida 

Artistic Director
Costa Mbunda