In a move that has raised eyebrows in Whitehall, the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially honoured its most famous musical export, Fally Ipupa. The singer, known for his fusion of rumba and soukous, was awarded the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Leopard. A ceremony in Kinshasa saw the UK's cultural envoy in attendance, highlighting a quiet push for African soft power.
The appointment is no coincidence. Sources close to the Foreign Office suggest this is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with sub-Saharan Africa. The UK, post-Brexit, is scrambling for new partnerships. And music, they realise, is a cheaper currency than aid.
Fally Ipupa is not just a singer. He is a brand. With a fanbase stretching from Lagos to London, his influence is tangible. The British envoy's presence signals a recognition that cultural leaders can open doors that diplomats cannot. Think of it as a new kind of diplomacy. Less handshakes, more head nodding to a beat.
But there is a domestic angle too. The government, battered by bad polls and internal splits, is keen to showcase a 'Global Britain' narrative. Anything to distract from the chaos at home. The Congo move is a perfect photo op. It costs little. It looks good. And it can be spun as a win for multiculturalism.
Not everyone is convinced. Critics in the backbenches have grumbled about 'virtue signalling' while the NHS crumbles. But the No. 10 machine is dismissive. They argue that soft power is hard cash. The creative industries are a growth sector. And Africa is the next big market.
There is also the personal factor. The envoy, a former music executive, has long championed African artists. This is his pet project. And in the faction-ridden world of Westminster, pet projects can survive where policy initiatives die.
What happens next? Expect more such events. The government is drawing up a list of influential African figures. Think athletes, authors, and business tycoons. The aim is to build a network of influence. It is a long game. But in politics, the long game is often the only one worth playing.
For now, Fally Ipupa gets his gong. The UK gets a photo. And the lobby gets a story about how power is shifting. Not in parliament, but on the dance floor.
