On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Bowling Green Park in New York City will host the 3rd Annual Congolese Flag‑Raising Event—a vibrant cultural celebration that highlights Congolese heritage and African representation. The event, which begins at noon, features a performance by Nkumu Katalay and The “Life Long Project” Band, and will be attended by Mayor Eric Adams, emphasizing the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
As the Congolese flag will be raised in the heart of New York, the diaspora community and allies will gather to honor their roots with music, dance, and unity. Nkumu Katalay—a Congolese-born cultural ambassador based in New York—leads The “Life Long Project” Band. His work “focuses on pushing the positive narrative of the Congolese culture via music and social‑cultural and educational initiatives”.
A multi-instrumentalist, dancer, orator, and social activist, Nkumu’s goal is to connect communities across generations. His performance is more than entertainment—it’s a bridge between past and future, a reminder of the resilience and creativity of Congo’s people. Having left Kinshasa in the late ’90s, he has spent decades cultivating a unique sound that blends traditional Congolese Mbonda rhythms with contemporary influences—what he describes through his band’s mission as “promoting humanity” and cultural understanding.
“I am honored to help bring Congo’s spirit to life here in New York,” Nkumu said in a recent interview with AfroPop Worldwide, describing his work as rooted in both Kinshasa and New York’s rich cultural landscapes. His music, often referred to as a blend of “Rumbianfunk”, fuses Congolese rumba, funk, and Afro‑Diaspora influences into a powerful artistic statement.
The flag‑raising ceremony itself symbolizes the diaspora’s journey—overcoming displacement, preserving ties to homeland, and asserting cultural identity on a global stage. With Mayor Adams present, the event sends a clear message: New York values every community’s heritage and history.
Nkumu’s performance will be complemented by an Afro‑Congolese dance troupe performing Ndombolo, a high‑energy dance style that emerged in the late 20th century and has since become a Pan‑African phenomenon. Child and youth performers will also sing the Congolese national anthem, strengthening the intergenerational resonance of the celebration and emphasizing traditions being passed down.
Nkumu’s work underscores a broader need for African voices and stories in global spaces. Despite Congo’s rich musical heritage—from rumba and soukous to dance and literature—its presence in mainstream narratives often remains limited. Events like this challenge that norm, positioning Congolese culture front and center.
His music and community initiatives exemplify how art can serve as a tool for cultural preservation, mental health, and professional connection. By engaging diverse audiences, Nkumu fosters dialogue and unity—reaffirming that art is a universal language capable of healing and bringing people together.
Two of Nkumu’s recent singles, “Nazo Bela” and “Maza Ku Yobila”, will be key musical highlights. These tracks mix traditional themes of love, unity, and cultural pride with contemporary rhythms that resonate with both diaspora and global audiences. Each song embodies a celebration of identity, encouraging listeners to dance and reflect on their heritage.
The Congolese 3rd Annual Flag‑Raising Event at Bowling Green Park invites everyone—members of the Congolese community and their allies—to celebrate a rich cultural tradition, connect with roots, and champion diversity. As Nkumu Katalay and his band perform, the event will resonate as a living testament to the enduring power of art, identity, and unity.
