Kinshasa, May 27, 2025 (ACP) – The first edition of the World Festival of Music and Tourism is scheduled to take place from July 16 to 18, 2025 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, according to an announcement by the Ministries of Culture and Tourism in a video received Tuesday by ACP.

“The Democratic Republic of Congo, the heart of Africa, is preparing to write a new chapter in its cultural and tourism influence with the very first World Festival of Music and Tourism, to be held at the Central African Cultural and Arts Center in Kinshasa, from July 16 to 18, 2025,” declared Ministers Yolande Elebe (Culture) and Didier M'pambia (Tourism) in the video.

This festival serves as a reminder that the DRC is not only a land of art, but also an exceptional and peaceful destination, where musical genius and the priceless wealth of its tourist sites are recognized worldwide.

Just like in 1974, when the world’s greatest voices gathered on African soil to celebrate unity and authenticity, this event promises to be a historic moment — a grand encounter between rhythms and landscapes, musical harmonies and natural wonders, living culture and Congolese hospitality.

At the heart of the event will be Congolese Rumba, inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since December 2021. A series of vibrant performances will highlight the originality and diversity of Congolese musical expressions, offering visitors an immersive experience into the musical soul of the country.

The festival is part of the national tourism promotion strategy, notably through the “DRC, Heart of Africa” campaign launched in January 2025 at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid. This initiative aims to position the DRC as a top-tier destination by showcasing its cultural and natural treasures.