Nights of Rumba - NYS Rising Star Fundraiser Gala

HARNAAC PRESENTS ---- Nights of Rumba

Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening as NYScholars celebrates 10 years of impact, empowerment, and community transformation — in partnership with Harnaac’s Nights of Rumba, Seattle’s premier Congolese cultural experience.

This special collaboration brings together elegance, culture, and purpose under one roof.
The evening begins with NYScholars’ Annual Gala, a celebration of the organization’s decade-long journey empowering young scholars through mentorship, academic support, and leadership development. Guests will enjoy a formal dinner, inspiring success stories, and opportunities to support future generations through donations and auction moments.

As the night unfolds, the celebration continues with Nights of Rumba, where the rhythm of the Congo takes over. Immerse yourself in vibrant music, dance, and community connection — a perfect way to close the evening in true cultural style.

✨ Every ticket sold makes a difference:
50% of proceeds from the Nights of Rumba will be donated directly to NYScholars, helping fund their educational and community programs that continue to change lives across the region.

About NYScholars: https://nyscholars.org

Nights of Rumba is a premier destination for those who seek a vibrant and culturally rich late-night experience through the infectious rhythms of Rumba music, blending tradition with modern nightlife and networking with like minded people. Food and drinks will be available for purchases.

When: Saturday, October 25th

Doors Open: 5:30pm - Ceremony Starts: 6pm

Where: The Swedish Club

Theme: Dress to impress

Sound by: Arbovibe | Godfather

No Refunds

By participating in the event organized by Harnaac, you hereby grant Harnaac the right to take photographs, videos, and other visual or audio recordings of you during the event (the "Images"). You agree that Harnaac may use, reproduce, and distribute the Images, in whole or in part, for promotional purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, use in brochures, websites, social media, advertisements, press releases, fundraiser, and other marketing materials, without any further approval from you.

History

Rumba Congolese, also known as Congolese Rumba, is a lively and soulful genre of music that originated in the Congo region of Africa. It blends African rhythms with Afro-Cuban sounds, creating a unique and infectious style of music that’s deeply rooted in both tradition and modernity.

Rumba Congolese began in the early 20th century when Cuban music—particularly son cubano—made its way to Africa via the ports and radio stations. Congolese musicians absorbed these Cuban rhythms and melodies and merged them with their own local styles, instruments, and storytelling. The result is a music that has the rich, polyrhythmic feel of traditional African music with the warmth and danceability of Cuban beats.

In Rumba Congolese, the guitar plays a central role, often using intricate and melodic patterns, along with the drums and percussion that give it its distinctive rhythm. The vocals are expressive, telling stories of love, life, and the struggles of everyday people, usually in the local languages like Lingala or Swahili, but sometimes also in French. It’s music that is deeply emotional, yet irresistibly danceable.

Some of the most famous artists include Franco Luambo and Tabu Ley Rochereau, who were key figures in popularizing the genre both within Africa and internationally. The genre continues to evolve, influencing modern genres like Ndombolo and even Afrobeats.

If you ever get the chance to experience Rumba Congolese live, you’ll find it’s not just music you listen to—it’s music that makes you move. It’s the heartbeat of many Congolese communities, a celebration of life through dance and rhythm.

Come join us for a night of Rumba!

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