DRC: Congolese Rumba on the agenda at a major event in Kinshasa
A symposium in the Kalamu commune, west of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, marked the 2nd anniversary of Congolese Rumba’s UNESCO recognition as intangible heritage. Michel Ngongo, founder of the International Congolese Rumba Festival (FIRC), highlighted the significance of the date, December 14, and emphasized the need to celebrate and recognize the rich heritage of Congolese music.
«The aim of this symposium is to remind national and international opinion that this date is significant and must be taken into consideration», said Ngongo.
The event focused on discussing the challenges facing Congolese Rumba as intangible heritage.
Ngongo, also an instructor at the INA, noted that Congolese Rumba remains somewhat abstract and intangible, posing a risk of fading into obscurity amid the contemporary rise of urban music.
He stressed the importance of preserving this cultural treasure, encompassing not only music but also dance and photography.
«By neglecting this historic date, we risk its disappearance by no longer talking about rumba», Ngongo warned, pointing out the overshadowing effect of modernity on traditional genres.
Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about leveraging the unique aspects of Congolese heritage.
Congolese Rumba earned its UNESCO recognition on December 14, 2021, and the symposium aimed to reinforce the awareness of its cultural importance and the need for its preservation.
