KATHMANDU: Kinshasa, the vibrant capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is set to host the inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival from 16 to 18 July 2025. With the theme “The Rumba Route for Peace,” the festival will bring together music, tourism, and cultural heritage to foster dialogue, development, and shared understanding.

The event is being organized with UN Tourism as a supporting partner, recognizing the deep connection between culture, tourism, and sustainable growth.

The festival will celebrate Congolese Rumba, a musical tradition that was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. Through performances, exhibitions, policy roundtables, and a cultural village, the festival will showcase how music can bring people together, strengthen communities, and drive local economies.

The three-day programme includes:

• Roundtables on music diplomacy, artist rights, tourism branding, and youth innovation
• Performances by Congolese and international artists
• Cultural exhibitions and a Rumba-themed Gala Dinner
• A "Fair Play" Masterclass for artists and entrepreneurs
• Guided cultural tours in Kinshasa

The event also aims to strengthen links between the creative sector and tourism. As Minister of Tourism Didier M’Pambia Musanga noted, music not only shapes lives but creates economic opportunities and fosters innovation and unity.

Partners such as UNESCO, ARIPO, Sony Music, and Sound Diplomacy are supporting the event, alongside cultural leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the initiative, saying, “This festival is a valuable opportunity to celebrate Congolese creativity while promoting regional cooperation and international understanding.”

The Festival is open to the public, youth, professionals, and cultural enthusiasts alike. It invites everyone to discover how music and tourism together can build bridges, celebrate identity, and drive lasting peace.