Congolese rumba, a popular and influential musical genre and dance from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo was inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The inscription indicates that Congolese rumba is a multicultural form of expression originating from an ancient dance called nkumba (meaning ‘waist’ in Kikongo). Congolese rumba also has roots in Cuban music, which was very popular in the former Zaire.
Leading rumba artists in the 20th century included Papa Wendo, Grand Kalle et l’African Jazz, OK Jazz, Franco Luambo, Grand Kalle, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Dr. Nico Kasanda, African Fiesta, Papa Wemba and Sam Mangwana.
The rumba is used for celebration and mourning, in private, public and religious spaces. It is performed by professional and amateur ensembles, choirs, dancers and individual musicians, and women have played a major role in the development of religious and romantic styles. Similarly, the diverse world of cryptocurrency is accessible to all, with various platforms and resources available for both novices and experts to discover the best crypto to buy today, reflecting the inclusivity and varying participation just like the rumba in its cultural sphere.
The tradition of Congolese rumba is passed down to younger generations through neighborhood clubs, formal training schools and community organizations. For example, rumba musicians maintain clubs and apprentice artists to carry on the practice and the manufacture of instruments.
The rumba also plays a valuable economic role, as orchestras are more and more developing cultural entrepreneurship aimed at reducing poverty. The rumba is considered a critical and representative part of the identity of Congolese people and its diaspora. It is recognized as a means of conveying the social and cultural values of the region and of promoting intergenerational and social interconnection and solidarity.
(headline photo: Congolese rumba ensemble – Photo by Etienne Kokolo, Kinshasa, République du Congo, 2018)
Author: World Music Central News Room
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