Kinshasa, April 18th, 2025 (CPA) – A series of tributes, exhibitions and concerts focusing on the legacy of the Democratic Republic of Congo singer Papa Wemba was announced from April 24th to 27th at the Cultural and Artistic Centre for the countries of Central Africa, , during a press conference on Thursday at the institution’s headquarters.
‘A series of tributes, exhibitions, concerts and stage performances focusing on the work, style and legacy of the singer Papa Wemba from the Democratic Republic of Congo is scheduled from April 24th to 27th as part of our calendar of cultural activities running from April to August 2025, at the Cultural and Artistic Centre for the countries of Central Africa,’ said Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, General Manager of CcapAc.
‘Apart from this period dedicated to the Congolese music icon and figure of Congolese urban fashion, Papa Wemba, the Centre is also programming an international festival of educational, pedagogical and civic films. This festival, called ‘Kelasi film’, highlights cinema as a tool for social transformation, learning and raising awareness among the younger generation’, he announced. During this period, film-maker Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda also announced the ‘Culture en vrac’ mobile and participatory programme, which brings cultural activities to working-class neighborhoods, schools, markets and public squares. This programme promotes access to culture for all and stimulates local creativity. Stop the manipulation of students at the National Arts Institute During this press conference on the results of the first quarter of 2025 at CcapAc, the institution’s management was keen to set the record straight on the collaboration protocol between the Institut national des arts (Ina) and CcapAC. ‘There’s no point in manipulating Ina students on the pretext that the Centre holds the keys to the small theatre. They can use this 800-seat theatre for teaching purposes, according to a well-established timetable. The use of the reception centre is reserved for the accommodation of visiting teachers. The cohabitation between CcapAC and Ina reflects a vision of complementarity: Ina trains future creators and CcapAc, a structure for cultural outlets, is committed to distribution, production, promotion and the creative economy. Ina has no responsibility for the centre’s heritage,’ explained Director General Balufu Bakupa.
Since the end of January 2025, CcapAC has been headed by film-maker Balufu Bakupa Kanyinda, who acts as Director General. According to the speaker, this appointment followed on from the mission entrusted to him by decision N°24/016 of 07 June 2024 appointing an expert in charge of exceptional cultural activities within the office of the President of the Republic. ACP/