Fatshimétrie, September 30, 2024 – A memorial ceremony in honor of Congolese music icon Abeti Masikini was recently held to mark the 30th anniversary of her passing. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this event was an opportunity for the government to pay tribute to this legend of the music scene.
Under the theme ’30 years later: Abeti Masikini, her legacy remains’, the Ministry of Culture wanted to highlight the importance and sustainability of the late singer’s artistic impact. Abeti Masikini, nicknamed the ‘Queen of Soukous’, continues to shine through her musical legacy, her unforgettable performances and her dedication to promoting Congolese culture. Her influence transcends generations and remains an inspiration to many artists, especially women, in the world of music.
On the anniversary of her death, the Minister of Culture, Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, accompanied by members of her cabinet and the artist’s family, paid a visit to Abeti Masikini’s grave at the Gombe cemetery in Kinshasa. This solemn tribute was followed by a meeting at the ministry where the singer’s artistic career was retraced by the Minister’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Théodore Nganzi. The occasion was also an opportunity to address the issue of copyright management, highlighting the importance of protecting the legacy of artists, even after their death.
Minister Yolande Elebe stressed the importance of preserving the collective memory and cultural heritage left by Abeti Masikini, while raising awareness among cultural stakeholders on copyright protection. The initiative was welcomed by Véronique Finant, the singer’s younger sister, who expressed her gratitude to the government for this tribute and for its desire to highlight her late sister’s artistic legacy.
Abeti Masikini, real name Elisabeth Finant, was a pioneering figure in the world of music. Exploring diverse musical genres such as jazz, RnB, rock and Congolese rumba, she left her mark on the international music scene. Having won several awards during her brilliant career, Abeti Masikini left behind an invaluable musical legacy. Nicknamed the ‘tigress with the golden claws’ by her fans, she conquered the world’s greatest stages, leaving an indelible impact on the history of music.
The commemoration of this unforgettable artist was an opportunity to celebrate her creative genius, her passion for music and her commitment to Congolese culture. With her unique voice and exceptional talent, Abeti Masikini will forever be remembered, testifying to her lasting influence on the global music scene.To honor his memory is to perpetuate his legacy and inspire present and future generations to embrace art and culture with passion and dedication.