Excitement is at an all-time high in Kinshasa as the Democratic Republic of the Congo prepares to officially launch the first World Music and Tourism Festival today, under the theme 'The Rumba Route for Peace.'

From Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 July, the Congolese capital will become the epicentre of a powerful cultural and diplomatic celebration that seeks to reposition the DRC on the global tourism map – not through its natural resources, but through its greatest cultural export: music.

Organised by the Government of the DRC in collaboration with UN Tourism, the festival will officially be opened by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo later this morning at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), in the presence of dignitaries, cultural leaders, and international partners.

Across the sprawling metropolis of Kinshasa, the mood is unmistakably upbeat. Billboards, flags, banners, and muralshave transformed the cityscape, proudly bearing the festival’s vibrant branding and the call to celebrate “The Rumba Route for Peace.” From Matonge to Gombe, the city’s streets are buzzing with anticipation. Residents, vendors, and visitors alike are preparing to take part in what is already being called Kinshasa’s biggest cultural event in decades.

The opening ceremony will include musical performances, welcome remarks from government officials, and a keynote address from the President himself. A symbolic highlight of the morning will be the UN Tourism Scholarship Award Ceremony, aimed at recognising and supporting young talent working at the intersection of culture and tourism.

Later today, high-level dignitaries will tour the Cultural Village, a purpose-built exhibition space designed to showcase Congolese creativity across fashion, gastronomy, crafts and live performance. Guests will also be hosted at an official cocktail and lunch courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism.

In the afternoon, the festivities will open up to the public at the CCAPAC. The programme will include:

• Live cultural performances

• Fashion and art exhibitions

• Congolese food experiences

• An optional Rumba dance workshop for those looking to connect more deeply with the music that defines Congo’s global identity.

The day will close with the much-anticipated “Rumba Route at Sunset”, a spectacular open-air musical experience at the People’s Palace, blending traditional Rumba melodies with contemporary interpretations and urban DJ sets.

Performing at the opening day’s concert is a lie up of some of Africa’s great talents including Congolese music great FallyIpupa, Savara from Kenya, Gas Mawete, Gally Garvey, Yekima, DJ Dakhazar and many more. 

The festival brings together a remarkable line-up of voices from across the world. Over the next three days, participants will include:

• Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism

• Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, DRC

• Didier M’Pambia Musanga, Minister of Tourism, DRC

• Michele Woods, Director, Copyright Division, WIPO

• Jean Goubald Kalala, musician

• Elvis Adidiema, Sony Music Africa

• Pablo Borchi, Sound Diplomacy (Mexico)

• André Le Roux, IKS Cultural Consulting (South Africa)

• Ministers and experts from Brazil, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Colombia, and the Republic of Congo

For many, this festival is not only a tribute to the legends of Congolese music – from Franco Luambo, Tabu Ley Rochereau, and Papa Wemba, Tshala Muana, to Awilo Longomba, Koffi Olomide and Fally Ipupa – but also a statement of Congo’s readiness to lead Africa’s cultural and creative tourism renaissance.

“This is a moment to honour the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future,” said a festival spokesperson. “Through music, we tell our story to the world – and the world is ready to listen.”

As Kinshasa awakens to a day of rhythm, reflection, and celebration, one thing is certain: the beat of Congo will be felt far beyond its borders.