‘It is our identity’: two Congos seek Unesco listing for rumba

Joint bid aims to add musical style that inspired independence to list of intangible cultural heritage

Authorities in Kinshasa and Brazzaville, the capitals of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of the Congo, have submitted a joint bid to add Congolese rumba to the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage.

The list helps demonstrate the diversity of heritage and raises awareness about its importance. If Congolese rumba were to be added, it would join the hawker food of Singapore, sauna culture of Finland and traditional irrigation systems in the United Arab Emirates, among countless other customs on the list.