Kinshasa, 10 August 2022 (TDI): The U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday.
During his visit, he met with the president of DRC, Felix Tshisekedi. Following that, Secretary Blinken attended a Jazz Cultural event in DRC.
Also Read: US Secretary of State visits DRC
During the event, Secretary Blinken was accompanied by Dikembe Mutombo, the CEO of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.
The Secretary of State appreciated being given an opportunity to listen to the music of Paul Ngoie le Perc and Tyson Meya. He said that he was truly inspired by the musicians and artists who sang at the event.
Great to be joined by @officialmutombo to listen to the music of @Tysonmeya01 and @jafrozzleperc. As a musician myself, I know how powerful music can be to bring people together and advance social change. I am truly inspired by these artists! pic.twitter.com/n4GvHRMFqt
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 9, 2022
Moreover, Secretary Blinken highlighted that he was a musician himself and could truly understand the power of music. He explained that these musicians can bring social changes and unite people under one platform which was truly amazing.
Secretary Blinken’s remarks
After the event, Secretary Blinken took to the stage to explain his experience with the event. He said that he felt honored to be part of the Cultural Jazz Event.
Moreover, he explained his belief that such events display the diversity and uniqueness of the region. Art brings people together and enables them to connect on a larger level.
The Secretary of State applauded the band on their wonderful performance. He told that he was a guitarist himself but the performances he had seen today were outstanding.
Moreover, he assured the band that such events will be internationally recognized and will further connect the world.
Great to be joined by @officialmutombo to listen to the music of @Tysonmeya01 and @jafrozzleperc. As a musician myself, I know how powerful music can be to bring people together and advance social change. I am truly inspired by these artists! pic.twitter.com/n4GvHRMFqt
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 9, 2022
It is noteworthy that since 1930 the music of Congo has remained one of the most influential in the region. African music has contributed to national unity over the past few decades.
Secretary Blinken added that “It not only promotes cultural reawakening but also nurtures and strengthens national unity”.
Meeting with Dikembe Foundation Head
Secretary Blinken also met the President of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation on Tuesday. He appreciated the efforts Dikembe Mutombo has done in DRC as well as Africa.
CEO Dikembe also accompanied the Secretary of State while attending the Jazz Cultural Night. He praised the CEO at the event too, as he said that the CEO had done a lot to bring the world together.
It was nice to meet with Our USA Secretary Of State Antony Blinken today and he took time to thank me from everything that I am doing in Congo🇨🇩 & Africa. Building the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital was a big thing but building the SMI where generations will be educated, ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/of4dbJK8ot
— Dikembe Mutombo (@officialmutombo) August 10, 2022
CEO Dikembe thanked the Secretary of State for taking time to join them and praising them for their efforts.
