Kikwit

Kikwit is the largest city of Kwilu Province, lying on the Kwilu River in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kikwit is also known in the region under the nickname "The Mother". The population is approximately 397,737 (2012). An important commercial centre, it is home to a stadium and is known for its traditional dances, in particular the Bapende dancers whose geographic origin centers on the village of Gungu. Bapende dancers often wear traditional costumes comprising colorful masks and attire made from raffia. Kikwit is also home to an airport (Kikwit Airport) and is connected to the capital Kinshasa by a new road and river transport.

The Munganji dancer is central to Pende dance ceremonies. The full-body suit is woven from raffia thread.
Kikwit
City
Ville de Kikwit
Kikwit
Location in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Coordinates: 5°02′19″S 18°49′05″E
Country DR Congo
ProvinceKwilu Province
City status1970
CommunesKazamba, Lukemi, Lukolela, Nzinda
Government
 • MayorLéonard Mutangu Katonga
Area
 • Total92 km2 (36 sq mi)
Elevation
452 m (1,483 ft)
Population
 (2012)
 • Total397,737
 • Density4,300/km2 (11,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (West Africa Time)
ClimateAw
National languageKikongo ya leta

In 1995 the city saw a serious outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.[2]

Singer King Kester Emeneya was born in Kikwit in 1956. In April 2014, a tribute concert held in Kikwit to honor King Kester Emeneya ended in disaster, and at least thirteen people in the stadium lost their lives in a stampede following a power failure.[3]

See also

The Pende people are also from Idiofa and Tshikapa (Kasai). The Pende dancers are known as Mungandji (1) or Mingandji (many).

References
  1. "Pose de la première pierre de la construction d'un complexe scolaire moderne à Kikwit". ACP Média Public (in French). 15 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  2. "Outbreak of Ebola Viral Hemorrhagic Fever -- Zaire, 1995". Centers for Disease Control. 19 May 1995. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  3. "Deadly stampede at tribute concert in Democratic Republic of Congo". Deutsche Welle. 2014-04-25. Retrieved 2014-04-29.


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