Kikwit is the largest city of Kwilu Province, lying on the Kwilu River in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kikwit is also known in the region under the nickname "The Mother". The population is approximately 458,000 (2017). An important commercial centre, it is home to a stadium and is known for its traditional dances, in particular the Bapende dancers whose geographic origin centers on the village of Gungu. Bapende dancers often wear traditional costumes comprising colorful masks and attire made from raffia.
The Munganji dancer is central to Pende dance ceremonies. The full-body suit is woven from raffia thread.
In 1995 the city saw a serious outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.
Singer King Kester Emeneya was born in Kikwit in 1956. In April 2014, a tribute concert held in Kikwit to honor King Kester Emeneya ended in disaster, and at least thirteen people in the stadium died in a stampede following a power failure.
Transportation
Kikwit is home to Kikwit Airport, operating domestic flights to Kinshasa. Kikwit is also connected to Kinshasa by road and river transport.
