Papa Wemba's body arrives home in DR Congo

The body of Papa Wemba, one of Africa's best known singers, has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo after his death last Sunday in Abidjan.  

Hundreds of people were waiting outside Kinshasa's airport for the body's arrival.  

An all-night concert was held in his honour in Abidjan, the city where he collapsed and died on stage.  

He is due to be buried next week Tuesday after lying in state in a stadium in DR Congo's capital, Kinshasa, on Monday.  

Government officials and diplomats will attend a memorial service for the singer at the airport before the body is taken to a morgue. 

Papa Wemba, who died at age 66, was considered one of Africa's most influential musicians of his generation.  

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


SOURCE: BBC news