Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is preparing to host a landmark global celebration, the First World Music and Tourism Festival, taking place from 16 to 18 July 2025.
Billed as a world-first, the three-day festival will blend music, tourism, gastronomy, and dialogue in an unprecedented format designed to promote peace, showcase African cultural heritage, and connect global communities. The event is being organised under the High Patronage of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and in collaboration with UN Tourism.
“This is a world premiere,” said Minister of Tourism Didier M’Pambia Musanga, speaking to VoyagesAfriq, “I don’t think we’ve had such an event before: this kind of festival putting together music and tourism.”
The festival’s theme, “The Rumba Route,”traces the musical odyssey of Congolese rumba and its diaspora influences, from African rhythms to Latin America and Europe. Visitors can expect a vibrant showcase of four musical expressions: traditional, urban, folk, and rumba: all emblematic of the DRC’s rich cultural identity.
“First of all, we have music. Music coming from Africa to Latin America : Humba, Kemsamba, etc.go to Europe and become like flamenco,” Musanga noted. “We’re bringing people from all over the world to celebrate music and peace.”
Beyond celebration, the event also carries a deeper message in line with the DRC’s ongoing peace-building efforts. The Minister added: “This is also a space to say we need peace in Africa. We need Africans to come together not to fight. Music is the first step.”
Forum on Music’s Impact and Innovation
At the heart of the festival lies a high-level forum exploring music’s socio-economic potential. Participants will include artists, tourism professionals, researchers, youth innovators, and industry experts examining topics such as copyright, intellectual property, the digital revolution, and the role of youth in cultural innovation.
“There will be a conference of people talking about music, how it impacts people’s lives, its economic side, and how, with new technology, music can bring people closer,” said Musanga.
This segment aligns with the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa, promoting inclusive growth, innovation, and youth empowerment through culture and tourism.
Culture, Gastronomy and Destination Showcases
Beyond the sounds, the festival will offer a multisensory experience through art exhibitions, food fairs, and tourism showcases. Kinshasa, a UNESCO Creative City of Music since 2015, will open its streets and stages to local and global talent, making it the perfect host city.
“The third part of the festival is about art and gastronomy because people also want to discover through food,” said Musanga. “We also have a section for tourism, where countries like Ghana can set up a stand and share the best places to visit.”
With immersive tours, guided city excursions, and an exhibition park featuring fashion, crafts, and culinary arts, the festival will highlight Kinshasa’s unique appeal while promoting the DRC as a cultural tourism destination.
Strengthening Intercontinental Ties
The festival is also a South-South cooperation initiative, reinforcing ties between Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the wider world through shared musical heritage. By recognising historical links and cultural synergies, the event will serve as a platform for diplomacy through music.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, tourism ministers from Africa and the Americas, and UNESCO representatives are among the notable attendees at Kinshasa’s First World Music and Tourism Festival. Tour operators, media experts, and artists from other continents are also anticipated, forming a diverse array of viewpoints that emphasises the event’s worldwide importance.
“This isn’t just another festival,” Musanga emphasised. “It’s a place to enjoy good food, good music, meet new friends, and begin to explore Africa.”
Towards a Lasting Legacy
Organizers hope the festival will inspire similar initiatives globally, positioning music not only as an art form but as a tool for sustainable tourism, economic development, and youth engagement. The event also revives Congolese Rumba’s global relevance: following its 2021 inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
By blending cultural celebration with strategic vision, the First World Music and Tourism Festival is poised to create a ripple effect that goes far beyond Kinshasa.
