Papa Wemba: Congo Music Star Dies After Collapsing On Stage In Abidjan- BBC

The influential Congolese music star Papa Wemba has died after collapsing on stage in Abidjan in Ivory Coast, media reports say.

Video from the concert shows the artist, who was 66, slumped on the floor as dancers continue to perform, unaware of what is happening.

French broadcaster France 24 confirmed the death, quoting his manager.

On the African music scene since 1969, Papa Wemba won a world following with his soukous rock music.

The Congolese bandleader, whose real name was Jules Shungu Webadio, also inspired a cult movement known as the Sapeurs whose members, young men, spend huge amounts of money on designer clothes.

In 2004, he was convicted of people-smuggling in France and spent three months in prison.

A Belgian court convicted him of the same crime in 2012, handing down a fine of 22,000 euros (£17,143; $24,690) and suspended prison sentence of 15 months.

Hit after hit
The artist fell ill while performing at 05:30 (05:30 GMT) on Sunday, local media report.