Kavlo WADIGESILA MADIKANI Théophile, Afropop Worldwide's man in Kinshasa, has been taking the city's pulse in the wake of Papa Wemba's recent arrest on charges of visa fraud. Kavlo calls this matter "Affair Ngulu," a reference to the Lingala word Bangulu, which means non-musicians who get added to band rosters posing as members, effectively buying their way into foreign countries. Kavlo summarizes the case against Wemba, tells a personal story about his own brother, a musician faced with the challenge all talented Africans seeking opportunities in Europe and America face, and then provides the words of a number of observers on differnt sides of the Wemba affair. Not all these commentators speak the king's English, but they are well worth reading. I've edited these quotes minimally to make things more understandable, but as much as possible, I've let these powerful voices speak for themselves. Here's Kavlo's report…Banning Eyre

As many of us know, Shungu Wembadio, nicknamed Papa Wemba, aged 53, now a Belgian subject though originally from Democratic Republic of Congo (ex-Zaïre), and one of the undisputed tenor voice singers of all time, was sent to prison by the French police last February 18th, 2003.

As early as the year 2000, Wemba was suspected of setting up an under-the-table immigration operation, a practice believed to have been in existence for over two decades and through the agency of which several hundreds of Congolese stowaways commonly called Bangulu, have reached Europe. Bangulu are Congolese non-musicains who are taken to Europe under the pretence that they belong to the touring band. This deception is arranged between the group leader, embassies employees and the sometimes even Immigration Department workers.

Investigators claim that Wemba has made it possible for the immigrants to procure artistic visas at a cost of $3,500 US. The police interrogated Wemba and his wife Amazone in his residence located in Aulnay-Sous-Bois suburb, near Paris. On February 20th at Bobigny, Wemba went through a preliminary exam about forging documents and obtaining deceptive administrative records. Wemba himself made a partial confession that he received 100,000 euros to facilitate illigal entrance within Europe of foreigners. But he stated that he did so out of a humanitarian motivation, owing to difficult conditions in his homeland.

On the other hand, the artist had an international arrest warrent signed against him by the Belgian Judge Couman. Belgian officials had been surprised to find him travelling with with about fifteen extra musicians, supposed to give two concerts with him. The suspects were found to have forged documents, and eleven of the fifteen have been sent back home. Papa Wemba was released before vanishing from sight.

Wemba's arrest carries a trail of consequences for Congolese subjects now living abroad. Some are directly affected (the Congolese community living in France and around), and of course, for those here in Kinshasa who apply for visas of any nature, be it a tourist, student, artistic, business or settlement visa. In France, for instance, the police are instructed to drop in on African living places and conduct inspections. As a result, the "Sans Papiers" and "Sans Domiciles Fixes" are having having a lot of trouble at the moment.

How Kinoises and Kinois are affected: A personal perspective

One typical example is my own eldest brother Gaby WADIGESILA MAS UGUSA, who is a jazz bass player. He went on his third trip to Europe in October, 2002, with a tourist Schengen visa to attend the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles." Gaby had passed an entrance examination, and had a "Prise en Charge" from a Belgian friend of my late father, an emeritus professor at the Université Catholique de Louvin. But when Gaby arrived, the enrolment process had already ended. After a series of long discussions, Gaby was allowed to stay and search for another college of music.

Later on a Paris subway, he met a French friend who told him about the Institut Professionnel de Jazz , where admission was still going on. He decided to take his chances there. At first, he the principle there underestimated him based on his appearance, but once she heard him play, she apologized, and he succeeded in winning a place. Gaby started to go to that school, but he was advised to change his three-moth tourist visa to a student visa, and in addition to get a "Prise en Charge" from a person residing in France so that he could win a scholarship. In the meantime, he had already payed for his tuition ($4,500 US) and his stay was coming closer to an end.

Friends recognizing his musical talent agreed to help him, but he was required to fly back home in December, 2002. Now that he's here, those who promissed him help are keeping him waiting. He now has to pay an etra $125 US to get his return ticket prolonged while his file is being processed at the French Embassy in Kinshasa. Now that the Papa Wemba case has cropped up, he expects to receive still greater examination, and to experience further delay, and possibly even denial, even though he has nothing to do with this shameful matter.

The View from Kinshasa

The breaking of the news of Papa Wemba's arrest has sparked controversy like nothing this city has seen before. Views are naturally far apart. Some are for Papa Wemba, others are making comments unfavorably against him, while still others are undecided, siding with both defenders and detractors at certain points. One amazing thing is that the majority of people were expecting a mass demonstration to show patriotism after Papa Wemba's arrest, but this did not happen. Only a small number of his people in Wemba's home turf--Molokayi Village on Kandakanda Street in Matonge--went out for a short demonstration. But they soon returned to their homes.

By contrast, last year when local singer Werrason was arrested in Europe, stronger passions were aroused. The so-called "King of the Forest's" fans showered down toward the Belgium Embassy building to demand his liberation.

What Wemba's Defenders Say

Chantal NTEMO MPUNUNU Kinshasa/DRC : There is no doubt in our minds that Papa Wemba has made a tremendous contribution to the Congo music scene. He's one of those rare guys who have revived our music, flavoring it with a mosaic of styles ranging from pure traditional African sounds, to reggae and even Celtic music. This has helped him win much appreciation overseas. So whatever happens to him, he's not a man to play with. Here are some comments from Wemba defenders.

Keyama MUKUAKUA Kinshasa/DRC : I was terrible sorry to hear about Papa Wemba's arrest. I personally see him as our patrimony in Congo. Until I get proof to the contrary, he's one of the pioneers of fashion here, someone who has inspired many musicians as well as non-musicians to doll up. He did not deserve that sort of detention. I wished it had happened on the q.t..

Teba KULUTSHESA Kinshasa/DRC: What P. Wemba did is only a drop in the bucket in comparison with what natives of DRC have experienced back to colonial times. We have been victims of all kinds of injustice. Instead of full mutual co-operation, white people (Belgians, French and Americans alike) are always doing their best to keep dirty hands over the natural resources our county is bursting with. In addition they don't give us a dog's chance to evolve in our own land. That is why we nationals have developed many various ways of resistance for living a better life. So Westerners MUST help us attain a free homeland, and then we won't be caring about illegal immigration any longer.

Moni Mambu Mafwila Ku Mbundu - Bruxelles/Belgium: There are lots more formalities to comply with in order to obtain a visa from a Westerner embassy here in Kinshasa than there are in other African countries. But since our superstar musicians were able to get them easily until recently, many unsuccessful applicants for visas (BANGULU) used to run after them with money to get them. For example, a visa is to the United States is obtainable nowhere else but in Cameroon. People are required to take tests and complete English programs at CALI (The Congo American Language Institute) where fees cost an arm and a leg. Travel and living expenses are on the traveler's charge. This has to stop because "Globalisation" requires complete eradication of frontiers. So the question is why did that happen? I think that is because the Congolese population is misdirected and made dull by its leaders plotting with Western leaders. Naitves of Kinshasa who have a family member in Europe are wallowing deep down in poverty. In other words, it's the Diaspora that provides for the country. The media should offer great coverage when our bands are flying to Europe for performances. Seems to me that you only show up when the going gets rough. To cut a long story short, you'd better know that whatever the judicial issue on Papa Wemba case is, the star of the song has become a hero in Congo.

Alex BOICEL-New York/USA : Papa Wemba is the greatest, no matter what's being said against him. Being the promoter of African group in the USA, I am convinced that Wemba is innocent. We worked together ten years and I dare say that he is very kind and has never been reluctant to help either a musician or an arranger in trouble without any pressure. During the famous American tour held in 2001, he took part with ten of his first-class musicians and returned home with the same number. My guess is that he has become the fall guy in underhanded business. If Papa Wemba IS involved, so are all the traveling groups. The man is innocent and GOD himself knows how he has worked so much for African and Worldwide music around the globe. Just set him free. Long live to Papa Wemba. He is the best.

Olivier RUBENS - Arnoux/France: If the French justice system deserves to have its name, it didn't have to send such a public figure to jail before hearing his case. He who can't disapear easily or remove the pieces of evidence in his case off the table or the question is about racist police and justice who intend to fling mud at the accused who is not charged with extorting funds. So why gossip about unfounded report that he had cashed in on his services. On February 21th, 2003, the "Le Monde" paper published a photo showing Eyadema in the Champs Elisée living-rooms. As for Mobutu, real murderer, looter, he once took advantange of our protection and of a topping exile in the West.

Benny BERNARD - Kinshasa/DRC: It's too bad that Papa Wemba is in the doghouse. This is a deep issue. It's the Europeans' double play. Did they have passeports and visas when they went to colonize America, Africa and Asia? Astronauts make statements that the planet earth appears to be borderless when viewed from up above. Congolese never called Belgians home for colonization. Belgium has gotten rich at the expense of Congo DRC, without which Belgium would be weighless internationally speaking. The Congolese leaving their homeland are not refugees; rather they are explorers just as Europeans were long before them. The US is faced with Mexicans who make every effort to win entry to the United States hoping for a better life. American presidents, back to Ronald Reagan, have been demanding Mexican presidents to help them talk Mexicans out of going into exile in the US.

In the 70's, Egypt, was dependent on the dollars that Egyptian expatriates would send off to their families in from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. If the Belgian government hadn't prepared the ground for the killing of Patrice Emery LUMUMBA, the DRC would not necessarily have become South Korea (The two counties had similar standard of living in 1960), but it would be better than it is today. Papa Wemba would not be involved in this dealing if LUMUMBA had succeeded in giving another impulse to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Set Papa Wemba free!

Omer MALANDA - Kinshasa/DRC: I want to see Papa Wemba at liberty. His contribution to the Congolese music is enormous, and so is it to African music generally, above all for the liberation of Black people and many other amazing works. In fact, if he did fly people to Europe, I think, I can't see anything wrong in that, because those pesons are very helpful to us in Kinshasa, considering the current situation in our country. Meanwhile, Europeans favour abominable deeds, imposing civil wars on our continent. To cut it short, let Papa Wemba be released.

Norbert TOÏNA - Lyon France : I don't think it a machination of records stores, of ancient dissapointed musicians or of competitive musicians. I'd like you to grasp how Congolese musicians prostitute themselves changing bands within one year. To understand the system that some of them make use of to enter into European through integration into touring orchestras, and once the tour is over, they leave the band for further opportunities. But to think that the Pope of the fashion utilizes this possibily to get wealth is absolutely wrong.

Does Johnny Hallyday have to sell drugs to become rich? Papa Wemba is rich thanks to the music he has been praticing for over 25 years. He doesn't need to start a racket with Congolese musicians to become weathy. I'll back him up through his case, which is an evil scheme designed to make him poor by paying bails to the French law-courts.

Guy MILONGO - Kinshasa/DRC: We also have to point out that Papa Wemba has always been sollicited by lots of artists to contribute his voice on their albums to make them hits. Papa Wemba owns three musical groups in Kinshasa, La Nouvelle Ecriture he played with at Bercy and recorded Bakala Dia Kuba, as well as two young, talented formations, First class and Phénomène Moto Bamuela. The one mentioned last consists of physically disabled folks.

Reactions from his detractors

Trido - Knshasa/RDC : I did not expect such a racket from a big name like Papa Wemba. It has decreased his profile considerably. And the Congolse don't escape this discredit. Shame on him!

Lily LUMBA - Kinshasa/RDC: I first dislike him because at his time of age, he still behaves childishly and without regard for his offspring, who have in return given him grandchildren. Instead of encouraging our illeterate population, especially young people, more into education and work, he is rather teaching them nothing but to always be elegantly dress, to be fashionable, and that's that. That'll serve him right!

Pitshou MODIZO - Kinshasa/RDC: We hear that, Youssou N'Dour owns a university established in his country, Senegal, among many other properties of his own. So my question is: what has Wemba done for this motherfucking DRC? If not inciting people in wearing extremely indecent dresses that themseves call "BILAMBA MABE." What a shame!
(BILAMBA MABE is a slogan launched by Papa Wemba and his band mates. It's fashionable nowadays among a great many Kin dwellers, and is directed at he who is dressed plainly or poorly. Some people think it a red rag to a bull.)

Sylvain KOULLO - TOGO: I'm so shocked at Papa Wemba's arrest because he has brought dishonor on hmself. Let the Belgium justice do its job, condemn him if need be. He has also thrown dirt at the Congolese artists and at the entire African Diaspora. Let him meet his actions.

Rootsman Rebel Soul - USA: That's too bad for an artist like Papa Wemba to meddle in such matters. And I wonder where this lack of conscience will take us. Our musicians call themselves African music ambassadors, but they do not identify themselves physically with Africa. How many are they, especially among Congolese musicians, who let their skin go light with cosmetics? It's a shame to see talents as Koffi Olomide and nearly all of his musicians, not to mention the girls who dance with him, applying these skin-lighning lotions, which make them look like zombies. I'm saying this to warn that we need consequential singers in Africa, like Bob Marley was. Behaving like a monkey in front of the Western public, sheltered from the Babylonians, is a big mistake. There has come a time to wake up for a very long time.

Linguere SALL -Dakar/Senegal: I can't dig how a man like Papa Wemba has come this far down. If he did it to help his people without their paying anything, it could be an excuse. Africans should show that we can get out of our troubles, but instead we go into exhile. Why do we have to immigrate? Let's stay in our continent to build it and put an end to kinds of behavior.

Lokoto Eza Kotoko : The French state should set a strong example giving a sentence to the Congolese artist Papa Wemba since he's not, in any case, the only actor in that Congolese organized immigration trade. There are also other Congolese well-known musicians who are engaged energetictly in those "NGULU" practises. Not forgetting Non Government Congolese Organization and above all the saints among the saints on earth, pastors, prophets and apostles of multiple revolutionary protestant churches in Congo. Despite Europe being a continent dominated by satan according to them, they're ready to deliver Jesus Christ to Judas for money, therefore racketing young male and female Congolese toward Europe under the pretense of an evangelistic tour. Let the police and the justice in France do their duty. Let us spare France from becoming a garbage can.

Robert KONGO - Les Muraux/France : Hi, I'm sad about Papa Wemba. I wish his bad experience would teach a lesson to the other famous Congolese. Let them play wordly or religious music, greed for money and deceivers. For everybody must feel humiliated by Wemba's matter; all our honors are spolt. Now producers will think twice before entering into partnership with Congolese stars.

Gaston Louis Médard KABADUKUILA KADIBIDIA - Kinshasa/DRC : The justice [officials] should carry out an investigation first and track out the French embassy workers based in Kin that are to be blamed also. I take advantage of this opportunity to tell Westerners that the only way of stopping illegal immigration from Africa is to provide real help to third world countries to develop. Compared with handing over and selling drugs, the lesser evil is that of Papa Wemba. Please, make light his fault, because Westerners land massively in Africa without visas and violate our laws staying in mine areas. Help Africa to take off, and you'all be troublefree, sirs!

Jean Médard MONDZIKA - Johannesburg/South Africa : Papa Wemba's life was quite decent. I'm really sorry to hear about his arrest. Anyway, mistake's human, nobody's perfect. Several great musicians are deep into mafia, or drug traffic, etc. For instance, James Brown in the USA. That's how life goes, it's up to Justice to do their work.

Michel EBANDA EBANDA - Yaoundé/ Cameroon : I think that if what he is blamed for proves to be true, it is only natural to let investigation and the justice do their job. But I would like to emphaze that supposing that this hero is guilty, they should also allow for pleasures and services he has done to the world through the Red Cross. What would be the conseqences if he disappears in the music world? To put it clearly, if we can balance his good and bad deeds, we'll see that the former overweigh the latter. So I propose that he cooperate with the justice betraying all the persons that he has gotten in Europe by fraud, and that the justice cut down the favor given to artists for visas and let him go away.

Lionel FIVAZ - La chaux de fondss /Suisse: Europe and the so-called rich countries function differently than Africa in matters of administration. Sometimes you need to be rich and of stiff behavior for you not to cheat! Nothing is really simple and comparison is not always reasonable. If a deliberate trade really took place, this fact is regrettable and might have a bad influence over other reliable Congolese. I hope these rumours reveal themselves to be unfounded.





Contributed by: Kavlo Wadigesila