DRC Invites The World Home Through Congolese Rumba
…As World Music Festival seeks to transform country’s musical heritage into a major tourism attraction
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified efforts to position its rich musical heritage, particularly Congolese rumba, as a major driver of tourism and economic development.
This followed the successful hosting of the second edition of the World Music and Tourism Festival in Kinshasa, which brought together musicians, government officials, tourism operators and international partners.
The three-day festival, held from October 8 to 10, 2026, was themed “Tourism and Music: Building Bridges Between Peoples,” with a focus on promoting the country’s cultural identity and attracting international visitors through music.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor of Kinshasa, Daniel Bumba Lubaki, said music was deeply rooted in the city’s identity, noting that residents do not merely listen to music but live, create and share it with the world.
The festival featured electrifying performances by renowned Congolese musicians, including Mbilia Bel, Werrason, Felix Wazekwa and Gaz Mawete, alongside exhibitions, an international tourism forum and guided tours showcasing Kinshasa’s cultural attractions, local cuisine, crafts and historical heritage.
The event also provided opportunities for local businesses, artisans, food vendors, transport operators and hospitality service providers to benefit from increased tourism activities.
Speaking on the significance of the festival, the DRC Minister of Tourism, Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, said the initiative was designed to invite the world to experience Congolese music, culture, history and hospitality firsthand, while establishing the country as a leading music tourism destination in Africa.
The festival, which ended with a cruise on the Congo River aboard the Majestic River featuring veteran musician Sam Mangwana, also recommended the establishment of a permanent coordination mechanism for music and tourism stakeholders, development of marketable tourism circuits and sustained international promotion of the country.
The initiative comes amid growing investment in the DRC’s tourism sector, following the announcement in April 2026 of 1.882 billion US dollars in Emirati investment for four tourism projects.
Congolese rumba was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, while Kinshasa has held UNESCO Creative City of Music status since 2015.
The World Music and Tourism Festival is an initiative aimed at celebrating Congolese rumba and global music while promoting the Democratic Republic of Congo as an international cultural tourism destination.
