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Guitar maestro Papa Noel to be buried on Monday in Kinshasa
Congolese guitarist Papa Noel Nedule.
What you need to know:
- Paris-based Congolese singer Balou Canta said Papa Noel's French widow had been very been supportive of the funeral arrangements.
- Born Antoine Nedule Monswet, Papa Noel is fondly remembered for the Tangawisi hit song among others that he composed.
Veteran Congolese musician Papa Noel Nedule will finally be laid to rest on Monday, March 10, in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
This is contrary to earlier reports that he would have been interred on Saturday, March 8. This was after last-minute changes, including having him buried at the old Gombe cemetery and not Necropeles Cemetery, as had earlier been announced.
According to the official amended funeral programme released late on Friday, his body will be moved on Monday morning, at 10am from the hospital morgue to a local cathedral for the funeral service at 11am.
Later, the body will be moved to his burial site at 1pm. The funeral ceremony is set to start at 4pm.
This is the same cemetery where some of the too Congolese stars such as Grand Kalle. Franco Luambo Makiadi and Dr Nico Kassanda were buried.
The former TPOK Jazz musician's body arrived in Kinshasa last Tuesday evening from Paris, where he died three months ago after a long illness.
The 84-year-old had been hospitalised in Grigny (Essonne), France, where he has been living with his family.
Hordes of fans, family members, and government and fellow musicians are expected to attend today’s funeral service. The government played a key role in having Papa Noel's remains flown to DR Congo.
Speaking to the Daily Nation last week, fellow Congolese musician Lofombe Gode said he had been briefed about the funeral plans. The Congolese Culture Department organised for the musician's body to be flown back home and have him honoured for his musical greatness and huge contribution to the entertainment and creative industry.
Paris-based Congolese singer Balou Canta said Papa Noel's French widow had been very supportive of the funeral arrangements.
Born Antoine Nedule Monswet, Papa Noel is fondly remembered for the 'Tangawisi’’ hit song, among many others that he composed while with the legendary TPOK Jazz.
This was the band that achieved great heights under the leadership of the grandmaster, Franco Luambo Makiadi. Papa Noel played alongside fellow guitarists Thierry Mantuika, Gerry Dialungana, Makos Kindudi and Mpudi Decca.
Despite having spent a greater part of his solo musical career in Europe in recent years, he is still respected at home.