Six ambassadors accredited to Tanzania joined music lovers in Dar es Salaam for a Franco Rhumba festival, underlining the genre’s growing role in promoting cultural exchange and unity.
The envoys were among guests at the Piano Rhumba Music Festival held at the Serena Hotel, where diplomats and entertainment enthusiasts gathered for an evening dedicated to one of Africa’s most influential music styles.
Opening the event, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Tanzania, Jean Pierre Massala, said rhumba music continues to serve as a powerful tool for bringing people together.
He said the genre, deeply rooted in Congolese culture, has evolved into a shared cultural expression that resonates across borders, creating space for interaction and mutual understanding among different communities.
Such festivals, he noted, provide an opportunity for people to connect, celebrate and strengthen unity through a shared appreciation of music.
Morocco’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Zakaria El Goumiri, said their participation reflected a commitment to cultural engagement and appreciation of diverse artistic expressions.
He said music plays a key role in fostering harmony by connecting people from different backgrounds and encouraging a sense of togetherness.
Event organiser Alain Izai said the strong turnout, including the full participation of ambassadors throughout the event, was an encouraging sign of the festival’s impact.
He said the organisers plan to make the festival a regular feature, aimed at promoting entertainment while strengthening social bonds.
Rhumba, he added, continues to attract audiences across generations, with artists and promoters working to sustain and improve the genre’s appeal.
The event highlighted how cultural activities, particularly music, are increasingly being used to support diplomacy and social cohesion in Tanzania.
