The 9th Kinshasa Jazz Festival recently took place at the "Le Zoo" cultural center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The event, themed "Jazz and Freedom," brought together renowned musicians to promote musical diversity and pass on the legacy of jazz to younger generations. Souzy Kasseya, a prominent composer and arranger of Congolese Rumba, expressed his delight in seeing Kinshasa host a jazz festival, highlighting the significance of such events for artists and music enthusiasts.
Gabriel Wadigesila, a celebrated jazz bassist in the DRC, shared his journey in jazz, which began in his childhood in Belgium, where he was born into a family of musicians. He started learning jazz with various instruments, including the harmonica and flute, before dedicating himself to the genre. Wadigesila recalled creating a jazz movement with a friend, Serge Gantcho, about 30 years ago, leading to the organization of the first jazz festival in the late 1990s and a project presentation in Brussels in the early 2000s.
Wadigesila emphasized the importance of transmission between generations, noting that many artists who performed at the festival had been directly or indirectly trained by him. He described the jazz community as a family, where knowledge and passion are shared. The bassist expressed his eternal enthusiasm for learning and growth, praising the 2026 festival season and looking forward to the 10th edition.
Jean Goubald Kalala, a singer and humorist, praised the Kinshasa Festival Jazz for promoting jazz and showcasing emerging talents. Although initially hesitant to participate, Kalala was persuaded by Souzy Kasseya and eventually performed on stage after hearing a young jazz musician interpret one of his works in a different style. He appreciated the musical atmosphere and the love for his music.
The festival featured several young artists from within the country and abroad, demonstrating the growing interest in jazz in the DRC. The event provided a platform for musicians to come together, share their passion for jazz, and inspire a new generation of artists. Organizers and participants alike celebrated the festival's success and looked forward to future editions.
Souzy Kasseya's enthusiasm for the festival was palpable, as he highlighted the significance of such events in promoting musical diversity and expression. He expressed hope that the festival would contribute to the renaissance of jazz in the DRC, creating opportunities for artists and music enthusiasts to connect.
The Kinshasa Jazz Festival has become a staple in the city's cultural calendar, fostering a sense of community among jazz enthusiasts and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents. As the festival continues to grow, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting jazz and musical diversity in the DRC.
Key points
- The 9th Kinshasa Jazz Festival promoted musical diversity and passed on the legacy of jazz to younger generations.
- Renowned musicians, including Souzy Kasseya and Gabriel Wadigesila, participated in the festival, sharing their passion for jazz.
- The event featured young artists from within the country and abroad, demonstrating the growing interest in jazz in the DRC.
