We first picked the rumor on newspaper funnyman Harry Sagara’s facebook wall but didn’t take it seriously until it started spreading like a wild fire. Still, there were no plausible sources to confirm Tchatcho maestro Koffi Olomide’s death in a car accident last week.

Thankfully, an emotional Koffi made a TV appearance on Saturday night and refuted the rumors. All throughout the 15 minute question and answer session, the singer struggled to fight back tears, but eventually sobbed as he blamed his enemies for the rumor that he had been involved in a road accident.

He also broke down as he talked of his ailing father who was abroad, wondering why his detractors would start the rumors when his father needed moral support.

The show was broadcast on Canal Congo TV from 9.30-9.45pm (Central African Time)

The 54-year-old veteran musician is to launch his latest album on February 27, and will also hold a major concert with his Quartier Latin band next Sunday at the Chez Bibi in Kinshasa.