African music stars sing for new Vatican CD
VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Three popular African singers have released a CD in collaboration with Vatican Radio to spread the message of the African Synod and mark the pope's upcoming trip to Benin, the Vatican said Monday.
The most famous is Congolese rumba musician Papa Wemba -- who says he underwent a spiritual conversion while serving time in 2003 for smuggling Congolese nationals into France by pretending they were part of his road crew.
He will be joined by Semba singer and peace promoter Bonga and Fifito from Guinea.
The anthology, titled "Africa Tenda Amani!" -- meaning "Africa Make Peace!" in Swahili -- will be offered to all African bishops and Catholic radio stations before being released for general sale.