Fatshimétrie
Congolese rumba, a musical and economic jewel, seeks to equip itself with a distinctive visual identity to highlight its rich heritage and underexploited economic potential. The Academy of Fine Arts, through its Department of Visual Communication, recently launched a research project aimed at providing this visual identity to rumba, recognized as a world intangible heritage by UNESCO almost two years ago.
Highlighting this visual identity aims to make rumba more tangible and accessible to all, and this project is of crucial importance for the development of this emblematic musical style. Indeed, by giving substance to rumba through visual and narrative media, it is given the opportunity to shine more on the international scene, while promoting its history and its great figures.
During the launch of this research, the Director General of the Academy of Fine Arts, Henri Kalama Akulez, stressed the importance of this work to give rumba a new dimension. He invited students and researchers to explore in depth the facets of rumba, in order to make it intelligible and allow it to reveal its full economic potential.
Didier Mumengi, a rumba expert, highlighted the significant economic aspect of this musical style for the Democratic Republic of Congo. He stressed that rumba constituted a real economic source, with opportunities in the manufacture of musical instruments, accessories, derivative products as well as stage equipment. He also highlighted the importance of developing an identity economy around rumba, likely to create jobs and generate wealth for young Congolese talents.
Professor Joseph Ibongo recalled that the inclusion of rumba in UNESCO’s intangible heritage did not guarantee its sustainability, and that continued efforts were necessary to maintain this status. He highlighted the crucial role of the research work of students from the Academy of Fine Arts in the preservation and promotion of rumba in the world heritage.
Nicole Mwanga, who initiated this project within the Department of Visual Communication, highlighted the importance of image in the promotion of rumba. She stressed the need to create a strong visual identity, based on visual standards and illustrations representative of the history and cultural richness of Congolese rumba.
In conclusion, this research aimed at defining a visual identity for Congolese rumba is an important step towards the recognition and promotion of this exceptional musical heritage. By offering it renewed visibility, rumba will be able to continue to shine and inspire future generations, while contributing to the economic and cultural development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.