Congo-Brazzaville holds state tribute for rumba icon Pierre Moutouari

The Republic of the Congo held a state tribute for rumba icon Pierre Moutouari at the Palais des Congrès in Brazzaville on August 12, 2026. The ceremony honored the singer, who passed away in Paris on October 8, 2025, at the age of 75.

The event was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, acting on behalf of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister laid a wreath to honor Moutouari as a figure of national patrimony.

Minister of Culture Jean-Claude Gakosso delivered the funeral oration, describing Moutouari as an exceptional talent whose career spanned over five decades. Gakosso highlighted Moutouari’s musical journey, beginning with his time in the orchestra Sinza-Kotoko and his success at the first Pan-African youth festival in Tunis.