Thread by @UrbanTVUganda

#UrbanUpdates: UNESCO has added Rhumba music to its cultural heritage list. Rhumba, one of the most influential genres of African music & dance now has Unesco-protected status thanks to a campaign by 2 countries - the DRC & neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville." 1/5
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They both occupy what was once the ancient kingdom of Kongo - where the sinuous dance originated according to the two nations' joint application. The word "rumba" itself comes from the Kikongo word for navel, "Nkumba". 2/5
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Congolese rumba joins other living traditions such as Jamaican reggae music and Singaporean hawker food on Unesco's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list. 3/5
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The earliest heroes of Congolese rumba; Wendo Kolosoy, Paul Nkamba, Franco & TPOK Jazz, Tabu Ley Rochereau & Dr Nico. A decade later saw the arrival of Zaïko Langa Langa & its breakout star Papa Wemba. Among his many proteges was Koffi Olomidé & younger stars as Fally Ipupa. 4/5

As African nations fought for independence from their colonial rulers, The Independence Cha Cha by Le Grand Kallé galvanised many and is seen as the first truly pan-African hit song.
Source: BBC.
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