Congolese rumba, also known as African rumba, is a dance music genre originating from the Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo. With its rhythms, melodies, and lyrics, Congolese rumba has gained global recognition and remains an integral part of African music heritage. In December 2021, it was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Bakolo Music International, the oldest traditional Congolese rumba music group, during a rehearsal in 2014
A Congolese rumba group performing in Léopoldville
Nico Kasanda leading the African Fiesta Sukisa orchestra
Congolese rumba bar in Léopoldville
Given the vastness of the African continent, its music is diverse, with regions and nations having many distinct musical traditions. African music includes the genres amapiano, jùjú, fuji, afrobeat, highlife, Congolese rumba, soukous, ndombolo, makossa, kizomba, Taarab, and others. African music also uses a large variety of instruments from all across the continent. The music and dance of the African diaspora, formed to varying degrees on African musical traditions, include American music like Dixieland jazz, blues, jazz, and many Caribbean genres, such as calypso and soca. Latin American music genres such as cumbia, salsa music, son cubano, rumba, conga, bomba, samba and zouk were founded on the music of enslaved Africans, and have in turn influenced African popular music.
Umm Kulthum
Aar Maanta performing with his band at Pier Scheveningen Strandweg in The Hague, Netherlands
Algerian musician Abderrahmane Abdelli playing the mandole
Traditional drummers in Ghana