Barbara Kanam: a talented artist appointed General Manager of the Cultural Promotion Fund
On July 8, 2023, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, signed an order appointing public officers for certain state establishments. Among these appointments, we find that of Barbara Kanam, appointed Director General of the Cultural Promotion Fund (FPC). This decision underlines the recognition of the talent and commitment of this musical artist in the service of the promotion of Congolese culture.
Born in Bukavu, DRC on September 27, 1979, Barbara Kanam has spent much of her life abroad, notably in South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and France. Her school and university career led her to study in Belgian schools in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, before continuing her studies in economics in South Africa, then in international trade in Côte d’Ivoire.
It was in 1999 that Barbara Kanam discovered her passion for singing within the Dévotion orchestra. She then perfected her vocal technique at the Psalmody Academy and Rhema Bible School in Johannesburg, where she also learned to play the guitar. After 13 months of learning and perfecting, she creates an acoustic repertoire and begins a tour in the DRC and South Africa.
Barbara Kanam’s musical career really took off in 1999 with the release of her first album with acoustic sounds, entitled “Mokili”. Since then, she has recorded several albums, including “Teti” in 2003, which marked her entry into the world of world music. She won the Kora for Best Female Hope in 2005 and launched her own label, “Kanam Music”, in 2008. Among her notable collaborations, we can mention those with Papa Wemba, Fally Ipupa and Jacob Desvarieux, which testify to her influence. and her place among the great female voices of the DRC.
In addition to her musical career, Barbara Kanam has also demonstrated a strong patriotic commitment. During the period of war imposed on the DRC by Rwanda, she showed her support for the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and was appointed National Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for the promotion of actions climate in the DRC.
Today, Barbara Kanam is entrusted with the responsibility of directing the Cultural Promotion Fund, an essential organization for the development and promotion of Congolese culture. Accompanied by Didier Masela, also a musician and appointed Deputy General Manager, her mission will be to promote and support the country’s cultural initiatives.
This nomination therefore echoes the talent and commitment of Barbara Kanam, who has distinguished herself both through her musical career and her patriotic involvement.. His presence at the head of the Cultural Promotion Fund promises to further energize and enhance the Congolese cultural scene