Kinshasa to Host Inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival
Festival from July 16-18 to highlight music as a catalyst for dialogue and growth.
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo will host the inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival from July 16 to 18, 2025, under the patronage of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
The event, supported by UN Tourism, aims to showcase the role of music in connecting cultures and promoting sustainable development, as outlined in a statement from UN Tourism.
Themed “The Rumba Route for Peace,” the Festival will focus on Congolese Rumba, recognised by UNESCO in 2021.
Activities will include roundtables on musical diplomacy; copyrights and fairplay; music and destination branding; and youth innovation, alongside performances from local and international artists, noted UN Tourism.
H.E. Mr. Didier M’Pambia Musanga, Minister of Tourism, remarked, “The Festival will bring together voices to explore how music shapes lives, drives economic opportunity, and through innovation and technology, fosters greater connection among people.”
UN Tourism confirms a broad range of music festival stakeholders, including governments, organisations, businesses, and civil society.
Partners include UNESCO, ARIPO, Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Diplomacy, and cultural leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
