After the disappearance of the artist Papa Wemba, the Congolese government decided to buy his main residence in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to immortalize the rumba, which has become a national heritage.
Six years after the death of the king of Congolese rumba, his house has become “a museum”. Visitors can discover objects that belonged to Papa Wemba, such as his collection of hats or even his musical instruments.
The artist’s villa will above all be a place which “tells the Congolese rumba”, according to the Minister of Culture Catherine Kathungu. Archive photos, songs, music, videos, recording studio… Everything will be brought together under one roof in this house of culture to sublimate the rumba which has become a precious cultural heritage.
THE RUMBA MUSEUM IS HERE
Catherine Kathungu, April 24, 2022, has just dedicated Papa Wemba’s house as a Rumba museum. On this African Music Day, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage says she is already thinking about Lucrative cultural tourism. pic.twitter.com/BiFU8XxP3x
– Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage DRC (@minculturap_rdc) April 24, 2022
The Congolese rumba which resonated in Africa and around the world was inscribed in December 2021 on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by Unesco. It is not only music but a multiple art including dance and even a style of dress with the SAPE (Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant People). Born in the ancient kingdom of Kongo several centuries ago, this music spread to the West Indies, Cuba and America during the slave trade.
The rumba is today at the heart of Congolese life. Weddings, parties, religious songs, national holiday. The rumba is more than an art, it is a national identity and a source of pride on both banks of the Congo River.