DRC President Hosts AFRIMA Legend Award Winner, Koffi Olomide

PRESIDENT Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC) praised the multiaward- winning music veteran, Koffi Olomide, for bagging the Legend Awards at the 2021 All- Africa Music Awards ( AFRIMA), which was held last November, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, in Lagos.

While hosting Olomide at the official residence at Camp Tshatshi Palace, Kinshasa, on Monday, February 14, 2022, the President said that the award was both a significant achievement for not just the singer, but the entire country. Olomide also presented his 24- carat goldplated AFRIMA plaque to the President.

President Tshisekedi, in recognition of the honor bestowed on him by AFRIMA as well as his work, also awarded the 65- year- old Soukous singer as the country’s ambassador of culture and presented him with a diplomatic passport.

While receiving his diplomatic passport, Olomide promised to maintain a reputation worthy of emulation by African youths.

This appointment would see Olomide, who has been active in the Congolese music industry for over five decades, help boost DRC’S increasing attempts at repositioning its cultural and creative economy.

Recall that the Congolese Rumba was officially added to the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( UNESCO) heritage list, last December, sparking hope for the country’s cultural progression.

Koffi Olomide is a multiaward- winning artiste and founder of the Quartier

Latin International Orchestra. With over 30 studio albums to his credit, the singer has carved a reputation as one of the fundamental growth pillars of the Congolese, and by extension, African music industry.