The famous Congolese singer and dancer Tshala Muana died last Friday at the age of 64, according to her producer and companion, Claude Mashala.
Considered the “queen of Mutuashi”, a traditional Kasai music and dance, Tshala Muana was famous for several songs such as Karibu Yangu, Malu and Tshianza.
She has travelled extensively overseas, won several national, continental and global awards, and recorded over 20 albums.
Her music also appeared in the soundtrack of the popular 1987 Congolese musical film La Vie est Belle and Aya of Yop City.
Muana, real name Élisabeth Tshala Muana Muidikay, was also often affectionately referred to as “Mamu National”, meaning mother of the nation, for her vocal defence of the rights of women and children in the Congolese parliament.
She was known to be a supporter of former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila and his party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).