The Democratic Republic of Congo Celebrates World Day of African and Afro-Descendant Culture in Kinshasa
The Republic of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) celebrated in grand style this Friday, January 24th, the World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture (JMCA). On that occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage organized a series of significant activities in the morning, culminating in a day of reflection held in the conference hall of the new National Institute of Arts (INA) in Kinshasa. This day, themed “Cultural Awareness, Rumba for Peace,” provided a platform to delve deep into discussions on the role of culture as a driver of peace and development.
Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, took the opportunity to deliver a message of peace to the population of Eastern DRC, who have been victims of insecurity due to armed attacks by M23 rebels supported by Rwanda. “We will continue to denounce the unacceptable and advocate for peace in the East of our country, supporting our compatriots affected by inhuman conflicts,” she said, as Major General Peter Cirimwami, military governor of North Kivu, passed away after an incident near the front line between Goma and Saké.
Internationally, the chosen theme for this year is “Preserving and Promoting Ancestral Heritage: A Momentum of Intergenerational Brotherhood.” On this occasion, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stated, “On this World Day, we celebrate not just a single culture, but cultures, rich in their diversity. We also honor artists from all countries and disciplines, in fields as diverse as cinema, music, dance, fashion, and design, all creative industries that sustain artists, working towards the renaissance of African culture.”
The celebration began with a solemn moment: the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Yolande Elebe Ma Ndombe, and the International Committee Ota Benga. This partnership signifies the upcoming establishment of a national memorial dedicated to Ota Benga, a symbolic figure in the fight against oppression and slavery. This project aims to preserve collective memory and educate future generations about the struggles and resilience of African populations.
### The Congolese Rumba Takes Center Stage
During the day of reflection at the new INA, Congolese Rumba, recognized by UNESCO on December 14, 2021, as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, was highlighted. Speakers, artists, and cultural actors shared their insights on the importance of this music in promoting peace and strengthening African cultural identity. “Congolese Rumba is more than just music; it’s a language of peace, a bridge between generations and communities,” stated Professor Lye M. Yoka.
He continued, “This day is dedicated to African Culture, and we cannot talk about African Culture without referring to the distant history of Africa, the history of Afro descendants. That is to say, the history of our ancestors who were deported to the Americas as slaves. It was during these moments of slavery that Rumba was born. Rumba was born from suffering. Rumba was born from resistance to suffering.”
The World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019, is celebrated every year on January 24th. This day coincides with the adoption of the African Cultural Renaissance Charter by the African Union in 2006. Afro-descendant heritage extends beyond the borders of the African continent. In Latin America and the Caribbean, there are several elements inscribed on the Lists of the 2003 Convention, with practitioners and carriers being descendants of the African diaspora. This day highlights the importance of preserving and promoting African and diaspora cultural heritages, emphasizing their role in sustainable development, peace, and intercultural brotherhood.
### A Strategic Stakes for DRC and Africa
For the DRC, this day holds particular importance. As a melting pot of African cultures, the country aspires to play a leading role in preserving and promoting ancestral heritages. “Culture is not just a legacy; it is a powerful lever to build the future. By valuing our heritage, we contribute to peace, dialogue, and sustainable development,” affirmed a representative from the Ministry of Culture.
This celebration also raised awareness about the importance of ratifying and implementing the African Cultural Renaissance Charter by African states to strengthen cultural cooperation on the continent. In parallel, a variety of artistic expressions, ranging from music to cinema to fashion, were presented to illustrate the richness and diversity of African and Afro-descendant cultures.
The day concluded with a strong call to youth: to preserve, transmit, and celebrate living African heritage. This message underscores that culture is at the heart of collective identity and an essential tool for building a peaceful and prosperous future.
Thus, the celebration of this day at the INA, filled with symbolism and reflection, aligns with a regional and international dynamic to make African and Afro-descendant culture a major lever for social and economic transformation.