Congolese guitarist Papa Noel yet to be buried three months after his death
Congolese guitarist Papa Noel Nedule.
What you need to know:
- Papa Noel is fondly remembered for the Tangawisi hit song.
- He would go on to release other popular solo recordings.
Funeral arrangements for veteran Congolese guitarist Papa Noel Nedule, who died in November 2024 in France, are still underway.
Family members, counterparts and Congolese government officials have been contemplating having him buried back home in Kinshasa.
According to fellow musician, Gode Lofombo, there is a high likelihood of Papa Noel’s body being flown back to Kinshasa next week for burial, as per recent developments.
Speaking to Saturday Nation this week, Lofombo confirmed having being informed by a senior Congolese government spokesman in Paris of the plans of having Papa Noel’s body flown back home soon.
“Despite Papa Noel having spent the greater part of his musical career in France, it appears many back home felt he should be buried back home alongside other fallen Congolese music heroes,” Lofombo said.
Papa Noel’s delayed burial is reminiscent of that of fellow Congolese musician Lokassa ya Mbongo.
Lokassa ya Mbongo, who died in USA in March 2023, was buried in the Democratic Republic of Congo in December of the same year.
Prior to his death, Papa Noel had been hospitalised in Grigny (Essonne), France where he has been living with his family for over 30 years. His body is lying in a morgue in Grigny, on the suburbs of Paris.
Notably, his French widow appears to have approved the plans for his final resting place.
Papa Noel will be remembered for performing with different groups both in Congo Brazzaville and Congo Kinshasa during his career.
Born Antoine Nedule Monswet, Papa Noel is alos fondly remembered for the Tangawisi hit song which he composed while still with TP OK Jazz band under the leadership of the legendary Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi.
He would go on to release other popular solo recordings like Bon Samaritain, Malou and Juliana.
Former TP OK Jazz band members who are still alive include Dizzy Mandjeku, Michelino Mavatiku, Flavian Makabi, Wuta Mayi and Celi Bitchou.
Meanwhile, members of the Bilenge Musica Du Congo will be performing every Friday and Saturday at the New Dream Village Bar in Nairobi South B.
Band leader Darzee Kalend said the group is currently working on songs for a new album to be released later this year.
angaira@ke.nationmedia.com