Culture of the Congo people mainly talks about the historical norms and the way the Congo people lived and their daily interests and behaviors. We have 2 Congo nations on African continent and they are DR Congo which was in the past called Zaire with Kishasha as her capital and also Republic of Congo which was in the past called Congo Brazzaville. These 2 countries are located in western region of Africa.  These 2 countries are governed separately and they are 2 different states. They differ in cultures though they share some cultures too.  Congo culture is also like other cultures of people who are living and they include norms, beliefs, and practices. Culture distinguishes people from others because it tells the parts of the world someone is from. Culture also enables people to understand themselves by identifying what they stand for and why they do certain things in a way they do them and therefore culture should never at one stage be ignored.

Congo people speak French but they have a lot of different ethnic groups within their borders. Republic of Congo was formerly part of the French colony of Equatorial Africa and remember that French is spoken widely in the world. Congo name came from the Bakongo settlers who were living in the region. They are Bantu speakers and in the past were called Bakongo.  According to culture, Congo people of DR Congo prepare local dishes like Moambe chicken which is also taken as a national dish. It is prepared with chicken cooked spices and palm butter which look like thick creamy soup. It is served alongside rice, saka saka which have the leaves of cassava plant crushed and boiled.

There are around 250 ethnic tribes in Congo and this summing up 250 languages spoken with the inclusive of Tshiluba, Kikongo, Lingala and Kiswahili that are known as the national languages of DR Congo. Congo people are majorly Christians and Muslims are few. 30% are protestant believers, 50% catholic believers and 20% Muslims and non-believers. The western side of Africa are famous for having strong traditional network with the belief in supreme God alongside small gods, ancestral powers and spirits. These small gods, ancestors and spirits act as intermediaries between the dead and living people.  The Congo people trust and strongly believe in these gods and as a tourist, try not to insult their gods or culture instead respect it. Other people sideline in the authentic religions of the country and are known as Jamaa and Kitawala and were led by religious leaders. Jamaa and Kitawala religions have attracted many followers and this has caused the leaders to be on spot with the government because the government believes that’s these religions are misguiding the people of Congo with their own understanding of Christian principles.

Congo culture is rich and diverse in art sectors, clothing’s, and music and they are recognized all over the world for their authentic piece of work. Art sector is rich with a number of great authors that have written since 1970’s and they include people like, Leonie Abo, Thomas Kanza, Patrice Lumumba, Kama Kamanda, Elebe ma Mikanza Mobyem and many more. Some authors focused on writing about the 14 years Congolese war which has claimed the lives of almost 6 million Congolese people and also causing the region to remain unrest.  The theatrical art is booming and it has existed for long because this writing has been on the scene for a while now. Theatres are based on Kinshasha since the talent is celebrated and practiced here. Plays are written and acted by local people and screen playwrights are designed by local people. The place is gifted with talents and some shows are depicted and shown on the African ways and lifestyles and some of these shows include Theatre National, Minzoto Wela and Group Salongo.

Music for Congolese musicians has reached around the globe and it is recognized on both the local scene and International scene. Most musicians sing in their native Lingala language with a mixture of French language and African beats and the music is so enjoyable. Congo music begun from the colonial museums in 1947 with musicians like Joseph Kabasele, Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide and Fally Ipupa who are both locally and internationally recognized artists. Congo music also led to introduction of dances like Kwasa Kwasa, Cavacha, Caneton, plus the popular Ndombolo. The Congolese music fraternity is amazing and their dancehall songs are heard being played on celebrations gatherings, bars and many more places of entertainment.

The famous Kitenge clothing is a West African brand and Congolese people love this dressing style and have always been modifying the designs so as they can much with the current fashion trends. Therefore; Congolese people are fashionable and they love styling themselves. You should also have sometime and pass by the souvenir shops and buy your piece of this fabric. You will also find other Congolese authentic pieces such as the Picasso and masks inspired art pieces.