RIP: Moses Wetangula pays tribute to Rhumba legend Simaro Lutumba

Legendary Congolese musician Simaro Massiya Lutumba died early Saturday at a hospital in Paris, France.

Congolese officials and his son Salomon confirmed his death as fans reacted to the sad news taking to social media to mourn his death.

The legendary TPOK Jazz deputy leader, composer, arranger and rhythm guitarist was 81.

The cause of Mr Lutumba's death was not immediately clear but he had been suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

Kenyans Rhumba fans including Moses Wetngula wrote emotional messages mourning his death. Read below:

Sen.Moses Wetang'ula..

Lutumba Simaro Masiya of Franco's TP OK Jazz has taken his last bow in Paris. He shall be remembered as a loyal and trusted lieutenant and the distinguished poet of the Grand Master, Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi. RIP LSM. Long live Rumba & pole to Rumba fans.

Edward Kisiang'ani..

Rest in peace Papa Lutumba Simaro Masiya. Am obviously devastated but your legacy makes me smile. Your great compositions ( including Biselela, Mabele, Testament us Boule etc) will forever soothe our hearts n wipe our tears. Your a special artist Papa. God bless.

GEORGE WATITWA..

my deep condolences goes to the family and friends of simaro Lutumba masiya, I met him while in Kinshasa

HILLARY MASALILA..

SO SAD.....

We have lost the GREATEST POET in LUTUMBA SIMARO MASIYA.......

I have No words

@membaibrahim

#SimaroLutumba

kisabuliemmanuel@gma..

Very sad indeed,the old man made me love rhumba music so much;maya,testament ya bowule among other songs could and can make abig man cry.what apoet!!!! R.I.P Simaro Masiya Lutumba.

MatsanzaJohn..

Mourning the demise of Simaro Lutumba Masiya the great TP OK poet. I remember him for Maya, Bisalela and Testament ya mboule. RIP.

Charles Kipkulei🇰🇪..

Go well Le Poet, Simaro Masiya Litumba, you walked your journey and finished your race.

You rank among the greatest Rhumba musicians of our time, my favourite song is your song Aminata.