Six ambassadors representing Belgium, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Russia, the United States and Switzerland gathered in Dar es Salaam over the weekend for a Franco rhumba piano festival, in an event that underscored the growing role of culture in strengthening diplomatic and social ties.
Held at the Serena Hotel, the festival brought together diplomats, artists and music enthusiasts, with organisers positioning rhumba not only as entertainment but also as a bridge between communities and nations.
Opening the event, the DRC Ambassador to Tanzania, Jean Pierre Massala, described rhumba as a powerful tool for unity and shared identity across borders.
“Rhumba music brings people together. It allows us to share joy while strengthening unity among different communities,” he said. “The organisers have recognised the importance of creating a space where people can connect through a genre that is deeply rooted in Congolese culture but appreciated globally.”
He noted that beyond entertainment, such festivals create informal spaces for dialogue and interaction, contributing to stronger people-to-people connections.
Morocco’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Zakaria El Goumiri, said their participation reflected the value of cultural engagement in diplomacy.
“We are here to enjoy and to support this initiative. Events like this bring people together and strengthen relationships in a natural way,” he said. “Music has the power to unite different groups and spread love among people.”
Organisers said the presence of six ambassadors throughout the event signalled growing diplomatic interest in cultural platforms as spaces for engagement beyond formal settings.
Festival coordinator Praha said the response exceeded expectations, particularly due to the high-level participation.
“We are grateful for the strong turnout and the support from ambassadors who stayed from the beginning to the end of the festival,” he said. “This encourages us to continue organising such events regularly to promote joy and togetherness.”
Praha added that rhumba’s appeal cuts across generations, making it a suitable platform for inclusive cultural expression.
Pianist Alain Izai, who performed during the event, said the participation of diplomats added a unique dimension to the festival.
“We appreciate the ambassadors for coming to listen and dance to rhumba music. Their presence shows that music can go beyond entertainment and become a unifying force,” he said.
The festival reflects a broader trend in which cultural events are increasingly used to complement formal diplomacy, offering a relaxed environment where relationships can be built through shared experiences. In Dar es Salaam, rhumba rooted in Central African musical heritage continues to find new relevance as a tool for connection in an increasingly interconnected world.
