Congo’s cultural power play: How Kinshasa took over Paris
On April 22nd, the Accor Arena in Paris was filled to capacity—and then some—as the Democratic Republic of Congo held a landmark solidarity concert.
More than just music, the event became a case study in how nations of the Global South can leverage culture as a tool of soft power.
A full house—and a political message
Over 20,000 attendees packed the arena, with thousands more outside unable to enter. They were draped in Congolese flags, chanting and singing. On stage, more than thirty top artists—Fally Ipupa, Gims, Dadju, Youssoupha, and Soolking—performed without fees. The goal was to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC and reframe the country’s global image.
A deliberate soft power strategy
The event aligned with a broader strategy by Congolese leadership to reposition the country internationally. President Félix Tshisekedi, whose name was cheered from the stands, is emerging as a promoter of Congo’s cultural diplomacy. Key to the initiative was Chantal Chambu Mwavita, Minister of Human Rights, who was decisive in organising the event. Her presence reflected more than political support—it signalled the state’s understanding that soft power can be a strategic asset.
Why Paris matters
Staging the event in Paris - both a global diplomatic capital and home to a large African diaspora - gave Congo maximum exposure. The symbolism was powerful: an African nation using one of the West’s most prestigious stages not to beg, but to perform, to assert, to unite.
A model for the Global South
The success of the concert shows how countries in the global south can reclaim the narrative, not through formal summits or reactive diplomacy, but by creating emotional resonance. Where many countries still passively endure their media image, the DRC has shown that cultural pride, backed by institutional intent, can actively shape it.
The power of symbols
Diplomacy is increasingly emotional. The most influential moments today are those that resonate across screens, borders, and hearts. A concert, when carefully orchestrated, can move minds more effectively than a press release. On that April night in Paris, the Congo sang. But more importantly, it was heard.
