Download and enjoy one of the best songs from Congolese music legend Papa Wemba—nicknamed “M’ze” or “The King of Rumba.”
This song, “Show Me the Way,” is found on his 1995 hit album “Emotion.” The song is a beautiful blend of languages, featuring English and Lingala verses, showcasing Papa Wemba’s ability to bridge musical cultures.
At its core, “Show Me the Way” is a meditative and spiritual song. It is about a person who feels lost or derailed in their life. The subject pleads, especially to elders or God (“Koko lakisa ngai nzela” — Grandpa/Grandma, show me the way), to show them the right path to life (nzela ya bomoi), fearing that the evil people of the world (bato ya mokili mabe) will not deny them salvation or a good destiny.
Its soothing and uplifting melody, combined with Papa Wemba’s unique voice, makes this song a pearl of Afropop and World Music that touches the hearts of many.
