by Marie from Kinshasa asks Santa about a Christmas doll, learns about the Congo River, and hears about the rich tradition of Congolese rumba music at Christmas
Dear Santa, my name is Marie and I am nine years old. I live in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where my tantine says our river is so wide near the city that it looks more like an ocean than a river.
Dear Marie, I have admired that very wide river myself many times, and your tantine’s comparison is entirely fair.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a Christmas Barbie? My little cousin wants a specially dressed holiday doll this year, and I am trying to help her find the right one.
There are indeed several festive holiday dolls released each year, Marie, and helping your cousin choose sounds like a lovely bit of holiday teamwork between the two of you.
My second question is about our river. My teacher says the Congo River is one of the deepest rivers in the entire world. Is that true?
It is, Marie. The Congo River is remarkably deep in places, among the deepest rivers on Earth, and it carries an enormous volume of water through the heart of Central Africa. Flying above its wide, dark surface each Christmas Eve is genuinely awe-inspiring.
My third question is about music. My whole family plays rumba music during our Christmas gatherings. Why is that style of music so connected to celebrations here?
Congolese rumba is a beloved and influential musical style, Marie, blending African rhythms with other musical influences over many decades, and it has become deeply woven into celebrations across the country, including Christmas gatherings just like your family’s. I always enjoy that music drifting up as I fly over Kinshasa each year.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Marie Mbeki
Kinshasa, DR Congo
P.S. Do you dance to rumba when you visit?
Enthusiastically, Marie, if not always gracefully.
