Congolese music legend, Aurlus Mabélé has died at the age of 67 in hospital in France’s capital Paris.
According to BBC, posts on social media from friends and relatives say he died of coronavirus but this is not confirmed.
The Congolese music star reputed by his fans as ‘King of soukous’ – a high tempo dance music enjoyed across the continent – died on Thursday in a Parisian hospital.
He was admitted to the hospital on Thursday and died on the same day from the coronavirus pandemic, according to his family.
“My father died this morning from the coronavirus, please honour his memory,” his daughter rapper Liza Monet, said on Twitter.
His manager, Jimmy Ouetenou, however, told BBC Afrique that it was not confirmed he died of coronavirus and that he had long-term health problems.
Mabélé, whose real name is Aurélien Miatsonama, was from Congo-Brazzaville and moved to France in the 1980s.
Mr Ouetenou said talks were already underway with the Congolese government for him to be buried in his home country.
In the meantime, his coffin will be placed in a burial vault until travel restrictions due to coronavirus are lifted, reports BBC.
