Congolese rumba, one of the most prominent styles of African music and dance, has been designated as intangible cultural property by Unesco It is the climax of two countries' campaigns: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Congo-Brazzaville. But what exactly is intangible cultural heritage, and why is it protected?
Let us do a piecemeal breakdown. Heritage is something that is passed down through generations. Culture on the other hand refers to values, traditions, and identities. Intangible means impossible to touch. Putting those words together, intangible cultural heritage refers to traditions and living expressions that are transmitted to generations.
