Papa Wemba (June 14, 1949 – April 24, 2016)
Influential Congolese singer Papa Wemba, known as the King of Rhumba Rock, died at age 66 after collapsing onstage. Wemba helped bring his country’s music to a global scale. After forming the group Zaiko Langa Langa in 1969, he wrote such hit songs as “Pauline” and “Liwa Ya Somo” before leaving to form other bands. As a solo artist, his hits include “Analengo” and popular Otis Redding cover “Fa Fa Fa Fa.” Known as the Pope of Sape, the musician also cemented himself as a fashion icon with his flamboyant style.
Jomo Lord (1975 – 2016)
Trinidad and Tobago-born musician Jomo Lord died in his sleep at age 40. His songs included “Lingo” and “Losing Faith.”
