Bab L’ Bluz KEXP Session
During their North American tour in July 2024, Bab L' Bluz visited the studios of KEXP in Seattle to...
Fri, 25 October 24
Remembering Papa Wemba
Real World Records was devastated to hear of the untimely death of Papa Wemba. He was one of the greatest vocalists we have worked with - not just from Africa but the world. It was an honour to have been involved in his illustrious career.
The release of Emotion was a real turning point for Papa Wemba and one of his most important albums. As an artist he was quiet and enigmatic but ready to embrace change; challenge the foundations of his music and seek new territories and new audiences.
Working with producer Stephen Hague and Lokua Kanza alongside Papa Wemba’s fantastic band at Real World Studios was one of the most exciting sessions in the label’s history. On many occasions Papa Wemba was a headline star at WOMAD Festivals internationally. He is a great loss to the music world but will always be part of the DNA of Real World Records.
I had the great pleasure of working with Papa on his 'Emotion' album in 1995. I only knew of him as a singer when we started the project, but through a number of sessions at Real World, and studios in London and Paris, I got to know him as a man, and experience first hand his integrity, grace and humour. Always kind to those around him, but with just enough edge to remind you why he was the Papa, he was a true gentleman and a consummate musician. And man, could he sing! He died on-stage… an artist to the last breath. Bonne soirée Monsieur Wemba… good luck at your next stop." Stephen Hague, producer of Emotion
“I’m saddened to hear the news of Papa Wemba’s passing and my heart goes out to his family and friends. He is a giant of African music and I’m honoured and blessed to have worked with him on the album ‘Molokai’ and have nothing other than happy memories of our time together in the studio. He had a truly unique voice and always inspired great things from his musicians and the people around him. His music will be there forever and give joy to all people.”
– John Leckie, producer of Molokai
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Released 13 March 1995
Fresh and daring as ever, this world-class singer continues his ascendancy to global notoriety with total emotional impact. A brilliant blast of pop and dance rhythms make up the brightest, most accessible album of Papa Wemba’s career. -
Released 31 May 1998
Named in honour of his band, Molokai is a live studio performance from one of Africa's greatest stars. The album collects classic hits and newer songs from the late 90s by Papa Wemba and is produced by John Leckie. -
Released 12 April 1992
The high-pitched, melancholy tone of Wemba's singing style is reminiscent of his rural beginnings and of his mother, who sang traditional mourning songs for the deceased. This album is a synthesis of true Zaïrean feeling, with sounds and structures that are immediately accessible to the Western ear - the mark of a truly mature musician.
Further reading
Real World Records to release ‘lost album’ by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Discovered in the label's archives, the album captures the singer at the height of his vocal powers.
Wed, 19 June 24
Track of the day: ‘AmmA’ by Bab L’ Bluz
'AmmA' draws on music from north-east Morocco and influences from Tunisia and Algeria.
Fri, 08 March 24
10 years of resistance: Les Amazones d’Afrique’s fight continues on Musow Danse
Righteous anger has never felt so warm and convincing. Or so goddam danceable.
Thu, 15 February 24