DR Congo's Kimbanguist symphony orchestra celebrates 30yrs of musical bliss: Video
From its modest beginnings with a handful of string musicians sharing a limited number of instruments, the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra in the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown into one of Africa’s most renowned orchestras.
Founded by Armand Diangenda in 1994, the orchestra now boasts 200 members and has performed on international stages, including in front of the British Royal Family in London.
Recounting the orchestra’s journey, Diangenda described the challenges faced in its early years. "When we started, finding violins was our first challenge. We only had a few, so each musician played for 15 minutes before passing the instrument to the next person,” he said. Over time, however, the orchestra gathered enough resources to build a more sustainable ensemble.
Violinist Pauleth Massamba, who joined after extensive classical training, expressed pride in being part of this cultural landmark. "Being in the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra is a great achievement in my life. This isn’t something easy; joining the orchestra requires rigorous training and commitment,” she said.
Dedicated fan Oscar Sukami urged government support to ensure the orchestra’s growth, emphasising the need for better resources to match international standards. “The government must step in to equip the orchestra with everything it needs, just as orchestras in Europe have,” he said.
In honour of its 30th anniversary, the orchestra is planning a commemorative concert, performing pieces from across its storied history - a tribute to its perseverance and accomplishments on the world stage.
