Papa Wemba, the Congolese music star accused of aiding an illegal immigration network in France and Belgium will resume his performances in Paris with a concert on Saturday.
The 53-year-old Afropop musician, whose real name is Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, was released from a Paris prison on June 5 after he posted bail of 30 000 euros.
He had been imprisoned on February 20 after being placed under judicial investigation for people-trafficking.
He is suspected of using his musical activities to smuggle some 150 nationals of his native Democratic Republic of Congo into France, making around 3 500 euros ($4 146) per person. He is wanted on similar charges in Belgium.
”I have resumed work, art is resumed,” the singer told iTele television station on Sunday, adding he was in ”fine form”.
”I will always remain the Papa Wemba that everyone knows,” he said. – Sapa