Congolese singer Elizabeth Tshala Muana Muidikayi dies in Kinshasa

The crooner breathed her last on Saturday morning, December, 10 in Kinshasa.

Her death was confirmed by her companion, Claude Mashala in a post on social media.

“The good Lord has decided to take over the national mamu Tshala muana. May the good God be glorified for all the good times she has brought us to this earth.. Goodbye Mamu from me," Mashala wrote without delving into the details about the cause of her death.

She was 64 at the time of her death.

Considered the "Queen of Mutuashi", a traditional dance music from her native Kasai region, the deceased teamed up with other musicians of her generation to popularize Congolese music across the globe and was fondly referred to as "Mamu National”.

Tshala Muana Pulse Live Kenya

The Congolese songbird had been unwell for some time and was recently admitted in hospital for treatment.

She released several hit songs and performed at different concerts.

She was an outstanding singer in the 80's and 90's with songs like Dezo Dezo and Karibu Yangu that dominated the airwaves.

Others of her generation of legends who popularized Congolese music are Mbilia Bel, Koffi Olomide among others.

Koffi Olomide mourned her death, hailing her as the G.O.A.T in a post that read:

“My Cuckoo is gone... True love lasts for life. Rest in peace Elizabeth Tshala de Koffi....

My sincere condolences to his biological family and all Congolese people....

the G.O.A.T”.

Koffi Olomide with Tshala Muana Pulse Live Kenya

Fans shared their condolence messages on social media with many appreciating her for the growth of Congolese and African music at large over the decades.

The songbird ran into trouble with Congolese authorities in 2020 and was detained by National Intelligence Agency (ANR) officers over a controversial song titled ‘Ingratitude’ which she had just released online.

According to fellow musician Lofombo Gode, Tshala Muana was arrested in Kinshasa amid speculation over the ‘deeper meaning’ or interpretation of lyrics which appear to have rattled some government officials.