The 9th Pan African Music Festival(FEESPAM) opened here Saturday, with the theme of "African Music: vector of authentication and factor of emergence."

President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, announced the opening of the festival.

At the opening ceremony, Irina Bokova, director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), encouraged African musicians to inherit and develop African culture by carrying on the cause of music.

Congolese Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism Jean-Claude Gakosso called for protection of original culture from African countries.

"Africa is faced with the risk of culture integration against multi-challenges of globalization. Africa should act in all dimensions to support art creativity and innovation," he said.

More than 30 musicians from a dozen countries were invited to the festival which will last till July 19, including France, the United States, South Africa and Senegal.

The FEESPAM is held every two years by the Republic of Congo government aimed at promoting and developing African music and culture.

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