R.I.P King of Congolese Rumba, Godfather of all Congolese Sapeurs, founding father of SAPE. In 1979, Papa Wemba became the leader of the Sapeur (Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes d'Élégance or SAPE) translated as "The Society of Atmosphere-setters and Elegant People," which he promoted as a youth lifestyle. In his own words Wemba said, "The Sapeur lifestyle promoted high standards of personal cleanliness, hygiene and smart dress, to a whole generation of youth across Zaire. When I say well groomed, well shaven, well perfumed, it’s a propriety that I am insisting on among the young. I don’t care about their education, since education always comes first of all from the family" At Kampala Dandy we agree with Wemba's ethos of smart dress, modesty and cleanliness within your means as the modus operandi of the elegant man and woman.
