DR Congo: Remains of "Congolese king of rumba" Papa Wemba to be flown to his homeland

The remains of Congolese Star Papa Wemba, who died during a concert in Ivory Coast on Sunday 24 April, will be flown to his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday 28 April.

Known as the "Congolese king of rumba", Wemba, 66, collapsed at the FEMUA 2016 concert in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan, which is hosting an all-night concert tribute to the musician on Wednesday (28 April) evening. In footage from the concert, dancers performing with him were seen rushing to his aid.

The Congolese government has chartered a plane to repatriate his body back from Ivory Coast to Kinshasa, in recognition of the flamboyant musician's contribution to the development of Congolese music and the entertainment industry, a festival organiser told the Agence France Presse news agency.

Ivorian musician and festival promoter Salif Traore, known as A'Salfo, told AFP the plane will carry more than 50 people, including the singer's widow, Marie Rose, known as Maman Amazone, family members, and his band members - who were in Abidjan with him.

The cause of death is not yet known, but local media later reported he had suffered a seizure and died before reaching hospital. It is also not yet known when Papa Wemba's funeral will be held, but arrangements for public viewing of the singer's body in the Congolese capital will be announced by Friday.