The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will take centre stage on the global cultural calendar this July, as it hosts the First World Music and Tourism Festival in Kinshasa from 16 to 18 July 2025. 

Organised under the Patronage of His Excellency Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the DRC, and in collaboration with UN Tourism, the festival is set to highlight the vital connection between music, tourism and economic development.

With a vision to position music as a powerful catalyst for travel and cultural exchange, the festival aims to attract global visitors seeking immersive, authentic experiences rooted in sound, storytelling and shared heritage.

At the heart of the event lies Congolese Rumba – a genre officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in December 2021. Rumba stands as both a cultural emblem and an economic driver, representing the DRC’s rich musical legacy and contemporary creative spirit.

Taking place at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), the festival will showcase dynamic cultural performances, live music, fashion and gastronomy exhibitions, and a vibrant Cultural Village, open daily from 10am to 10pm. 

Beyond the stage, a series of thought-provoking roundtable discussions will explore the role of music in unity, policy-making and innovation.

Highlights of the professional and intellectual programme include:

• Transatlantic Rhythms for Peace – exploring shared musical roots across Africa, the Americas and beyond

• Fair Play – addressing artists’ rights and intellectual property in the music tourism economy

• Music at the Heart of Tourism – demonstrating how musical heritage can enhance destination branding and boost local economies

• From Vinyl to Viral – examining the role of digital platforms, youth innovation and heritage preservation in the age of streaming

Festival-goers will experience an extraordinary line-up of rhythmic performances across traditional, folk, urban and Rumba genres. In addition to the performances, the event features interactive cultural exhibitions, local fashion showcases and authentic Congolese cuisine.

The programme also includes strategic masterclasses and roundtables focused on:

• The cultural and economic potential of music tourism

• Artists’ rights and the development of fair creative economies

• Youth leadership, digital disruption and innovation

• Music as a unifying force for peace and regional cooperation

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Kinshasa’s rich cultural landmarks through guided tours, or embark on a river cruise along the iconic Congo River – blending music and travel in truly immersive ways.

With cultural heritage increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism, this inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival marks a defining moment not only for the DRC, but for the continent as a whole. It is an open invitation to experience Africa through sound, rhythm and the universal language of music.

This first edition reaffirms the DRC’s commitment to harnessing cultural diversity as a driver of sustainable tourism, economic opportunity and international cultural dialogue.

It invites the world to discover the soundscapes of Congo and beyond – celebrating music not only as entertainment, but as a bridge between people, nations and generations.

Online registration is open until 27 June 2025: To register or find out more, visit www.fmmt.events. 

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