Lead image for Congolese superstars tuning up for mega home reunion concert.
Kinshasa, the national and musical capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is preparing for a major concert next weekend. The event will feature big names, including former top members of Franco Luambo Makiadi’s legendary TPOK Jazz band. This promises to be the most spectacular musical event in the DRC in recent years.
The organisers have invited several renowned singers, including Wuta Mayi, formerly of TPOK Jazz. Others include Lita Bembo, Nyboma Mwandido, Reddy Amisi, Faya Tess, Gina Efonge, Nyoka Longo, Mbilia Bel and Theo Blaise Kounkou.
Also expected to attend is the stylish Evoloko Jocker, who enjoyed a successful career with Orch Zaiko Langa Langa and later Langa Langa Stars. He will be joined by veteran guitarist Pepe Felly Manuaku.
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The event, dubbed “La Nuit Des Legendes De Rhumba” (The Night of Rhumba Legends), will take place next Saturday at the Fleuve Congo Hotel in Kinshasa.
According to the organisers, the rhumba festival is expected to bring together leading Congolese stars based in Europe. For most of them, it will be a nostalgic reunion, as they last performed together several decades ago.
Serge Kayembe, the event coordinator, said in a statement that the event is intended to honour and celebrate the illustrious careers of some of the most prominent living Congolese rhumba artists. The event also aims to help keep the Congolese rhumba legacy alive.
The DR Congo Ministry of Culture and Arts is organising the event, with major sponsors including the regional mobile phone service provider Airtel. The dress code for the event is black and white.