Will rumba be inscribed on the intangible world heritage of humanity?

Papa Wemba, the king of rumba, died on April 24, 2016 in Abidjan following a malaise on stage (illustrative image).

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It is from December 13 to 18 in Colombo in Sri Lanka that Unesco will examine the file submitted by the two Congos for the inscription of rumba in the intangible world heritage of humanity.

Lobbying actions are increasing in Brazzaville.

The members of the scientific committee working on this project were in a conference-debate on Tuesday, October 5.

Conference followed by the opening of an exhibition on this music.

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With our correspondent in Brazzaville,

Loïcia Martial

Making the two Congos a "rumba destination", as Jamaica is for reggae or Cuba for salsa, this is the objective sought by the Congolese Scientific Committee, which claims to have submitted a solid dossier to UNESCO.

Former academic Charles Bouetoum is a member of this committee: " 

We think that the rumba, with this concrete dossier that we have presented, the people of Unesco will not miss the point

 ."

A musical genre in vogue on both banks of the Congo River since the 1930s, rumba must cease to be a simple national heritage.

Many people " 

recognized themselves in this music

 "

“ 

In any case, it will become the heritage of humanity because many people, many countries, including Japan, have recognized themselves in this music.

They love it and practice it, 

”emphasizes Mr. Bouetoum.

President of the Scientific Committee, Professor Joachim Emmanuel Goma Théthet presents rumba as music that draws on several sources: “ 

You have

(inside)

the traditions of the Congo Basin, the traditions brought by West Africans, the cultural tradition of the West.

Rumba is at the crossroads of several sources which have given it an originality 

”.

A timeless genre, rumba is danced by all generations.

►Also listen

: André Lye Yoka: "The history of Congolese rumba is a history of multicultural crossings"

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