A decade after his last breath on the FEMUA stage, the shadow of "Old Bokul" looms larger than ever over Abidjan. This Friday, April 24, 2026, the Marcory district will be transformed into a sanctuary to honor the memory of Papa Wemba , the icon who forever linked the destiny of Congolese Rumba to Ivorian soil.

A legacy etched in the marble of the town

Mayor Aby Raoul orchestrated a series of official tributes to definitively integrate the artist into the local heritage. After a morning of reflection marked by a mass at Saint-Pierre Church in Anoumabo, two powerful gestures symbolized this recognition:

1. Honorary citizen: Papa Wemba was posthumously elevated to this rank, sealing his belonging to the city.
2. A street for history: A thoroughfare in the town now bears his name, right where the whole world saw him bow for the last time.

Fragments of Sape and a night of light

Because talking about Papa Wemba without mentioning elegance would be sacrilege, the festivities take a spectacular turn this afternoon:

1. 4:00 PM: A vibrant and colorful Sape parade will officially inaugurate the new Papa Wemba Street. Dandies and style enthusiasts will march to celebrate the aesthetic genius of the master.
2. 7:00 PM until dawn: The grand commemorative concert begins. A prestigious lineup of orchestras and artists will take turns on stage to thrill Anoumabo.

The watchword: For this exceptional tribute, the public is invited to adhere to an all-white dress code . A symbolic choice to transform the neighborhood into an ocean of light, befitting the King of Sape.