World Music and Tourism Festival Makes Debut in Kinshasa, Emphasizing the Role of Music and Travel in Fostering Dialogue and Progress
**First World Music and Tourism Festival: Celebrating Peace, Culture, and Congolese Rumba**
Prepare for an unforgettable musical extravaganza as the First World Music and Tourism Festival takes place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from July 16 to 18, 2025. This three-day event, held under the High Patronage of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and supported by UN Tourism as a key partner, promises to be a celebration of music, culture, and peace.
The theme of the festival, "The Rumba Route for Peace," encapsulates the event's core mission: to highlight the role of music in connecting cultures, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities. The festival will take place at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), offering a range of events, including performances, policy talks, and a Cultural Village and Exhibition Centre.
The musical focus of the festival is fourfold: Traditional, Urban, Folk, and Rumba. With special emphasis on Congolese Rumba, which was inscribed by UNESCO on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2021, visitors can expect a Rumba-themed welcome, Gala Dinner, and cultural tours that highlight Congo’s rich musical heritage and its role in tourism development.
The festival aims to promote music as a driver for travel and cultural exchange, attracting visitors worldwide seeking authentic and immersive cultural experiences. It also seeks to stimulate discussions on topics like musical diplomacy for peace, copyright and fair pay for artists, music and destination branding, the role of youth and digital innovation in culture, and hosting a "Fair Play" Masterclass for artists and entrepreneurs.
Didier M’Pambia Musanga, Minister of Tourism of DRC, expressed that the festival is an opportunity "to explore how music shapes lives, drives economic opportunity, and through innovation and technology, fosters greater connection among people."
UN Tourism's involvement in the festival is part of wider efforts to link cultural assets to inclusive growth and cross-cultural exchange across Africa. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili expressed his support for the festival, stating its potential to celebrate Congolese creativity, support local development, foster regional cooperation, and promote international understanding.
Confirmed partners for the festival include UNESCO, ARIPO, Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Diplomacy, and cultural leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Europe. The festival supports national efforts to promote cultural heritage, grow the creative economy, and build peace through cultural exchange.
In essence, the festival is designed as a platform to showcase and leverage the deep link between music and tourism for sustainable development, peacebuilding, economic growth, and cultural pride in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond. All are invited to explore the intersection of music, identity, and tourism at this unique event.
- The First World Music and Tourism Festival, scheduled from July 16 to 18, 2025, in Kinshasa, focuses on music, culture, and peace under the High Patronage of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, with UN Tourism as a key partner.
- The festival's theme, "The Rumba Route for Peace", emphasizes the power of music in connecting cultures, fostering communities, and creating opportunities, presented at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC) with various events and exhibitions.
- The musical lineup consists of Traditional, Urban, Folk, and Rumba, with a special focus on Congolese Rumba, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2021, featuring Rumba-themed events and tours showcasing the Congo’s rich musical heritage.
- In addition to music performances, the festival aims to stimulate discussions on crucial topics such as musical diplomacy for peace, copyright and fair pay for artists, music and destination branding, the role of youth and digital innovation in culture, and hosting a "Fair Play" Masterclass for artists and entrepreneurs.
- Didier M’Pambia Musanga, Minister of Tourism of DRC, believes that the festival will showcase how music shapes lives, drives economic opportunities, and fosters greater connections among people, while UN Tourism's involvement contributes to efforts linking cultural assets to inclusive growth and cross-cultural exchange across Africa.
- The festival boasts partnerships with various organizations, including UNESCO, ARIPO, Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Diplomacy, and cultural leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Europe, supporting national efforts in promoting cultural heritage, growing the creative economy, and building peace through cultural exchange.
