London, UK – 25 November 2024 – Destination Congo brought together an enthusiastic audience of 60 guests for the highly anticipated Welcome to the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) event at the iconic African Centre in London. The evening served as a vibrant celebration of the DRC’s rich culture and history, sparking curiosity and inspiring attendees to deepen their understanding and connection to the country.
The event was hosted by the dynamic Pid’or Tampa, whose energy and charisma set the tone for a night of meaningful conversation and cultural appreciation. Attendees were treated to panel discussions featuring diverse speakers, including Edouard Ndeke, Christelle Tulia, Madeleine R. Young-Touré, Herve Mwamba, Kelly Thomas, and Terence Nzaji-Egnie. Each panellist brought a unique perspective, highlighting the significance of Congolese culture, its diaspora, and the opportunities tourism offers for reconnecting with heritage.
Highlights of the Event
Key topics included reclaiming Congo's narrative, addressing stereotypes in global media, and understanding the country's vast geography—It takes almost two hours and 45 minutes to fly from Goma to Kinshasa, a reflection of the DRC's geographical size of 2,344,858 sq km, which covers almost two-thirds of Europe. A particular focus was given to the historical significance of La Sape, its influence on Congolese identity, and the importance of valuing and preserving Congolese art and sculptures, much of which is often owned by collectors outside of the community.
The event's interactive format encouraged audience participation, with many attendees sharing personal reflections on inherited narratives about Congo. Discussions also touched on the emotional impact of generational trauma and the barriers it creates for reconnecting with one’s roots. Yet, the evening concluded on a hopeful note, with panellists and guests expressing a shared desire to explore Congo’s potential and celebrate its cultural richness.
Announcements and Future Initiatives
The event culminated with a call to action from Destination Congo’s founding partner, Kazadi Mwamba, encouraging attendees to experience Congo firsthand by joining the Kinshasa Group Tour in June 2025. Kazadi also announced an exciting partnership with Wakanow, Africa’s leading travel tech company. Using technology provided by Wakanow, Destination Congo is building an all-in-one platform for booking flights, accommodation, and other essential services to simplify travel to the DRC.
Destination Congo is planning a follow-up group visit to the Eddy Kamuanga exhibition at the OCTOBER Gallery in London to maintain momentum from this impactful event. This initiative seeks to further highlight the importance of supporting Congolese art and cultural heritage while deepening the community’s connection to its roots.
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Email: hello@destinationcongo.info
Website: www.destinationcongo.info
Instagram: destinationcongoofficial/
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