In September 1974, boxing legend Muhammad Ali met acclaimed singer Etta James in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), just before the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against George Foreman.

Their encounter took place at the Kinshasa Hotel on September 22, during the Zaire 74 music festival organized by promoter Don King to coincide with Ali's championship match.

Photographs by Horst Faas captured Ali seated at a piano with James, as he played a few notes and engaged in conversation with her and other Black American artists participating in the festival.The gathering also included music icons such as James Brown, B.B.King, and Bill Withers, reflecting a celebration of global Black solidarity and Pan-Africanism alongside a major sporting event.

While the music festival ran from September 22–24, Foreman's injury delayed the fight until October 30, allowing artists and athletes to extend their stay and interact further.

This unique intersection of sport and music remains a remarkable historical moment, highlighting cultural unity and the convergence of talent from different fields on an international stage.