The 16th edition of the Ngoma Festival, an international performing arts encounter, is set to take place in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, from September 21-26, 2026. The festival's theme, "L'art au cœur des communautés" or "Art at the Heart of Communities," was announced by the Congolese press agency. This year's event aims to promote the arts as a means of expression, education, and dialogue among communities.
According to Olivier Maloba, artistic director of the Taccems group, which organizes the festival, the theme is a deliberate choice to highlight the role of art in addressing the challenges faced by communities. Maloba emphasized that art is not just entertainment but a tool for education, awareness, and transmission of values. The festival will feature various art forms, including theater, dance, music, slam, and humor, to tell stories and promote unity.
The festival seeks to promote local artistic talent, with performances by folkloric groups and orchestras from Kisangani, as well as invited companies from Brazzaville, Kinshasa, and Lubumbashi. The event will take place at the Ngoma cultural space, near the Royal Athenaeum in Kisangani, a site familiar to art enthusiasts. Maloba stressed that the festival aims to bring artists, professionals, and local communities together to foster a sense of unity and shared values.
The 16th Ngoma Festival enjoys the support of Africalia Belgium and has been authorized by the Kisangani City Hall. The event's focus on promoting and diffusing performing arts is in line with its previous editions. Maloba expressed his hope that the festival will contribute to peace and national cohesion in a region marked by difficulties.
The festival's program is designed to showcase local talent and provide a platform for artists to share their work. With a mix of local and invited performances, the event promises to be an exciting celebration of the arts. The festival's organizers believe that art has the power to bring people together and promote understanding.
In a region facing numerous challenges, the Ngoma Festival serves as a reminder of the importance of art in promoting unity and social cohesion. The event's theme and program reflect the need for artistic expression and dialogue in building stronger communities. By bringing people together through art, the festival aims to make a positive impact on the lives of those in attendance.
As the 16th Ngoma Festival prepares to kick off, art enthusiasts and community members are eagerly anticipating the event. With its focus on promoting local talent and fostering unity, the festival is set to be a highlight of the cultural calendar in Kisangani. The event's success will depend on the participation of artists, professionals, and local communities in celebrating the power of art to bring people together.
Key points
- The 16th Ngoma Festival takes place in Kisangani, DRC, from September 21-26, 2026, with the theme "Art at the Heart of Communities."
