The sprawling forecourt of the People’s Palace in Kinshasa lit up on Friday night as Koffi Olomide, the legendary Congolese musician, took to the stage as the grand closing act of the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival.

The crowd had waited all night – following earlier performances from celebrated acts including Sam Mangwana, Jacques Tshimankinda, René Lokwa, and RJ Kanyera – but when Olomide’s name was announced at 11:20 PM, the roar that went up said it all. Before him, his wife and lead backing vocalist, Cindy Le Coeur, had delivered a stylish and stirring pre-show, backed by a band that set the mood perfectly.

Then came Koffi, and for over an hour, he gave Kinshasa a masterclass in stagecraft: singing hit after hit, backed by brilliant dancers and powerful visuals.

It was a show worthy of a festival finale. The audience, arms in the air and dancing in unison, responded with the kind of unfiltered joy that only music can inspire.

This was the climax to three full days of top-tier performances. Fally Ipupa had kicked things off on Wednesday night, igniting the crowd with his signature mix of Rumba and modern pop. Thursday brought another powerful line-up: Werrason, Zaiko Langa Langa, Mbilia Bel, Chœur MC, Innos’B, and DJ Queeny, among others – each artist leaving their unique imprint on the festival.

Beyond the music, the festival was about more than entertainment. There was a fashion showcase mid-way through Friday night’s concert, spotlighting Congolese designers and reminding the world that this is a nation not only of sound, but of style.

And during the day, things got serious. The festival also hosted a series of roundtables and masterclasses exploring how music can drive tourism, protect artists’ rights, and foster peace. From copyright law to digital innovation, industry heavyweights and policymakers from across Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America sat side-by-side with Congolese musicians and creatives.

Launched by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and attended by UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Secretary-General-elect Shaikha Al Nowais, the festival made one thing clear: Congo isn’t just about rhythm – it’s about vision.

And as the final note rang out at the People’s Palace on Friday night, that vision had danced its way straight into the hearts of all who witnessed it.