Barbara Kanam: portrait of an artist engaged in the service of Congolese culture
The Congolese musical landscape is full of exceptional talent, and Barbara Kanam is certainly one of the brightest examples. Born in Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on September 27, 1979, this musical artist has conquered hearts thanks to her powerful voice and her commitment to her culture.
Barbara Kanam’s school and university career is a reflection of her determination and her thirst for knowledge. After studying at the Belgian school in Kinshasa and obtaining her state diploma in Lubumbashi, she continued her studies in economics in South Africa, before earning her diploma in international trade in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
It was in 1999 that Barbara Kanam really launched her musical career by joining the Dévotion orchestra. She perfected her vocal technique at the Psalmody Academy and Rhema Bible School in Johannesburg and learned to play the guitar. In 1995, she created an acoustic repertoire for a tour in the DRC and South Africa, and it was during a concert in Abidjan with Alpha Blondy and Koné Dodo in 1997 that her first album “Mokili” saw the day.
His talent and passion for music allow him to meet big names on the African and international music scene, such as Papa Wemba, Fally Ipupa and Jacob Desvarieux. His career is marked by several albums, including “Teti” in 2003, “Karibu” in 2009, “Zawadi” in 2015, “Bouger” in 2019 and “Flèche” in 2020.
But Barbara Kanam is not limited to her artistic career. She is also committed to her country and its culture. As a patriot, she did not hesitate to support the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) during the war imposed by Rwanda on the DRC. Her commitment earned her the appointment of National Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in 2022, for the promotion of climate actions in the DRC.
Today, Barbara Kanam is appointed Director General of the Cultural Promotion Fund (FPC) of the DRC, a wise choice that highlights her skills and her love for Congolese culture. She will be assisted in this task by the musician Didier Masela, founder of the Wenge Musica orchestra, appointed Deputy General Manager (DGA).
Barbara Kanam embodies the strength and beauty of Congolese culture through her music and her commitment. His appointment as head of the Cultural Promotion Fund is further proof of his devotion to his country and his people. We wish her much success in this new mission and hope that she will continue to enrich the cultural landscape of the DRC thanks to her talent and her unwavering passion