Congolese Music Legend Tshala Muana Passes Away

Legendary Congolese musician Élizabeth Tshala Muana Muidikay, alias Tshala Muana, has died after a short illness.

Muana passed away on Saturday morning in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo at the age of 64, her husband Claude Mashala confirmed.

"In the early hours of this morning, the good Lord made the decision to take over the national Mamu Tshala Muana. May the good God be glorified for all the good times she has given us on this earth. Farewell Mamu from m," Mashala posted on Facebook. 

Mashala, who was also her producer, said the singer died from respiratory complications. She had been in hospital for about a week.

Muana, also known by the moniker the Queen of Mutuashi, started her music career as a dancer for the band Tsheke Tsheke Love in 1977.

The multiple award-winning musician is famous for several songs including Karibu Yangu, Dezo Dezo, Kokola, Malu, Tshianza and Tshibola.

With at least 30 albums to her name, Muana is described as an African music icon.