‘I
Dream of Congo: Narratives from The Great Lakes’ is a self explanatory exhibition combining words and images from renowned international
creatives alongside a groundbreaking exhibition of photos taken by women
in eastern Congo.
Bukavu, eastern DRC - Photo by Fjona Hill
Bukavu, eastern DRC - Photo by Fjona Hill
The
exhibition and accompanying events celebrated the hope and optimism
that pervades in the region despite its years of war. It also poses
hard questions around the international community’s inaction in the face
of the conflict, the continuing illicit trade in minerals from Congo
and the failure to stem the tide of sexual violence.
I Dream Of Congo' Campaign is run by Congo Connect, a small UK-based group of individuals working to raise hope for eastern Congo. "Our
mission is to create a space where we can challenge the prevailing
attitudes of hopelessness and despair that dominate the perception of
the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, by highlighting many of the
incredible untold stories of bravery, strength, positivity and
innovation from eastern DRC.... We
are driven by the injustice of Africa’s deadliest conflict in which an
estimated six million people have died and half a million women have
been raped, in a territorial struggle for supremacy and mineral wealth
among warring factions." Click here for more information on Congo Connect and their work in Eastern Congo:
Rape victims in Eastern Congo
Rape victims in Eastern Congo
Rape victims in Eastern Congo
Contributions
from renowned photographers and writers featured alongside photos
and words from women in eastern Congo who have also responded to the
phrase ‘I Dream of Congo’. This part of the project has been developed
with Women for Women International.
Photo by IDAPTV
"This content will also feature online, as part of our drive to raise the
profile of Congo and positively influence the debate around it.... Any proceeds will go to funding projects on the ground in Congo". Congo Connect During the exhibition, The Frontline Club, Women for Women International, One Billion Rising and Save the Congo held events in the space that relate to the theme. A ticketed music concert featuring special performances from Gasandji, Mulele Matondo AfrikaandDJ Ya Kiland other Congolese musicians in association with Save the Congo took part on the Saturday 23rd February 2013 at the Cornway Hall, London.
Winner of Miss Congo UK 2012 Sandra Gondora reads her poem in phase of 'I Dream Of Congo'.
The exhibition,curated by Leslie Thomas of Art Works Projects and produced by Congo Connect was shown on the selected dates between 12th-23rd February 2013 at Conway Hall London, and soon to be moving on to further venues in the UK and US throughout 2013.
"Thankyou to Save the Congo team for their efforts and hard work....The turn out was fantastic with a wild mixture of people...Thank you team for your hard work and for having me. Well Done, I am so proud" Sandra Gondora: Miss Congo UK 2012 Winner
If you liked this blog or found it interesting please Like, Subscribe and Share our blog. Thankyou and God Bless!
We
would like to Congratulate, a true friend of the Democratic Republic of Congo and
Congolese people, Ben Affleck on winning the best picture award for his
at last night's Oscar award. This was a remarkable achievement as as
Ben, Co-produced, directed and featured on the movie. Our hope is that
Ben will continue to fight our cause and rally other influential people
to expose the atrocities in our motherland. It
will take our efforts as a people and that of influential people like
Ben Affleck, for us to see lasting change in the DRC.
Here is a piece from Ben Affleck's acceptance speech. “It doesn't matter how you get
knocked down in life, because... All that matters is that you have got to get up.” This just goes to show what an inspirational man this guy is.
Director-producer Ben Affleck accepts the award for best picture for
"Argo" at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Feb. 24, 2013, in Los
Angeles.
DID YOU KNOW THAT Ben Affleck has visited the DRC more than 10 times #Fact
Well it all started in 2010, Affleck founded the
Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), which strives to increase investments
from private and public funding sources to support Congolese-led
programs that build sustainable community, raise public awareness about
the needs in the region as well as to generate policy change that
amplifies the U.S. government's engagement in the Congo.
One of the actor’s recent initiatives to
support the DRC’s economic development led the actor to team up with
chocolatier Joe Whitnney, owner of the Seattle-based confectioner Theo
Chocolate, to kickstart organic chocolate production in Congo, by
creating chocolate bars made of 100% Congolese cocoa. For the first
harvest, which began in September 2012 and will extend through February
2013, Theo will export more
than 300 tons of Organic, Fair Trade certified cocoa from Eastern
Congo. Cocoa production is a strategic economic solution for the region,
given that cocoa has no commercial value for the rebels and is, as a result, not considered a resource or a threat in the conflict.
Cocoa Production In DR. Congo
Theo Chocolate
In an effort to raise awareness on the situation in the DRC, the
Hollywood actor has taken part in numerous conferences, meetings and
panels. In July, Affleck took part in a Washington D.C. conference
focused on child survival with distinguished participants,
including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, USAID Administrator
Dr. Raj Shah, health ministers and practitioners from around the world.
During the conference, he presented his experiences during his previous
trips to Congo, during which he met children who were faced with key
obstacles as a result of the militias’ activities and stressed that,
without peace and security, Congo will not be able to reduce infantile
mortality rate and provide its children an opportunity to grow up and
contribute to their society’s development.
While recently making an appearance on ABC’s The Week, Affleck urged the
U.S. government to do more for the DCR, as he expressed concern over
the deteriorating conditions in the African nation, where M23 rebels are
carrying on an intense conflict with the government.
While recently making an appearance on ABC’s The Week, Affleck urged the
U.S. government to do more for the DCR, as he expressed concern over
the deteriorating conditions in the African nation, where M23 rebels are
carrying on an intense conflict with the government.
We hope you found this blog useful and interesting. Please do leave a Comment, Like, Share and Subscribe to our blog for more updates in the Congolese Community Worldwide. Please continue to follow us on twitter: https://www.twitter.co./MissCongoUK Send us an email: misscongouk@gmail.com
Il y a deux jours, une source confidentielle hautement crédible nous
révélait un effroyable meurtre commis dans le quartier industriel de
Limete 1ère Rue Dilandos, à Kinshasa (RDC). Un crime crapuleux dont
l’auteur est un industriel chinois possédant une usine dans ce quartier.
Confronté à la colère débordante d’un employé congolais qui réclamait à
juste titre ses arriérés salariaux, l’intéressé n’a pas trouvé mieux
que de lui trancher la gorge, avant de le passer violemment à tabac,
aidé par cinq autres de ses compatriotes, eux aussi cadres au sein de la
même industrie. Se rendant tardivement compte du drame qui venait de se
produire, plutôt que de se livrer à la police, ils s’empressèrent de
dissimuler le corps sans vie du jeune homme à l’arrière d’une jeep
fortement teintée dans l’espoir de le faire disparaître à la première
occasion. Heureusement, très vite, l’affaire s’est propagée comme une
traînée de poudre, au point de mobiliser tous les employés de l’usine
ainsi que les riverains. La police qui a été saisie de cet homicide a
préféré comme à son habitude de prendre fait et cause pour l’expatrié
chinois en créant un cordon de sécurité pour le protéger, au lieu
d’interpeller le délinquant, de mener une investigation sérieuse et de
concéder l’affaire aux autorités judiciaires. A l’heure où j’écris,
c’est la plus grande incertitude pour la famille de la victime.
Difficile
de faire entendre raison dans un pays où l’impunité est devenue un fait
courant, à plus forte raison, lorsque l’on ne dispose pas d’assez de
revenus pour se payer un bon avocat. Et encore ? Quand on voit tout
l’imbroglio judiciaire et la négligence des autorités dans l’affaire
Chebeya – un crime d’Etat – on ne peut que s’attendre au pire,
c’est-à-dire une absente totale de poursuites judiciaires à l’encontre
du criminel en question. Aussi, il serait plus qu’urgent que les
organisations de défense des droits de l’homme exigent aux responsables
politiques de prendre les choses en main et de porter l’affaire en haut
lieu, en mémoire de la victime et de sa famille.— à Pont en construction
sur le petit boulevard sur la 1ère rue limete côté St Raphael ou côté
résidentiel, Il y a deux jours, une source confidentielle hautement
crédible nous révélait un effroyable meurtre commis dans le quartier
industriel de Limete 1ère Rue Dilandos, à Kinshasa (RDC). Un crime
crapuleux dont l’auteur est un industriel chinois possédant une usine
dans ce quartier.
Confronté à la colère débordante d’un employé congolais qui réclamait
à juste titre ses arriérés salariaux, l’intéressé n’a pas trouvé mieux
que de lui trancher la gorge, avant de le passer violemment à tabac,
aidé par cinq autres de ses compatriotes, eux aussi cadres au sein de la
même industrie. Se rendant tardivement compte du drame qui venait de se
produire, plutôt que de se livrer à la police, ils s’empressèrent de
dissimuler le corps sans vie du jeune homme à l’arrière d’une jeep
fortement teintée dans l’espoir de le faire disparaître à la première
occasion.
Heureusement, très vite, l’affaire s’est propagée comme une traînée de
poudre, au point de mobiliser tous les employés de l’usine ainsi que les
riverains. La police qui a été saisie de cet homicide a préféré comme à
son habitude de prendre fait et cause pour l’expatrié chinois en créant
un cordon de sécurité pour le protéger, au lieu d’interpeller le
délinquant, de mener une investigation sérieuse et de concéder l’affaire
aux autorités judiciaires.
A l’heure où cet article est rédigé, c’est la plus grande incertitude
pour la famille de la victime. Difficile de faire entendre raison dans
un pays où l’impunité est devenue un fait courant, à plus forte raison,
lorsque l’on ne dispose pas d’assez de revenus pour se payer un bon
avocat. Et encore ? Quand on voit tout l’imbroglio judiciaire et la
négligence des autorités dans l’affaire Chebeya – un crime d’Etat – on
ne peut que s’attendre au pire, c’est-à-dire une absente totale de
poursuites judiciaires à l’encontre du criminel en question.
Aussi, il serait plus qu’urgent que les organisations de défense des
droits de l’homme exigent aux responsables politiques de prendre les
choses en main et de porter l’affaire en haut lieu, en mémoire de la
victime et de sa famille.
Research & Published by: https://www.twitter.com/deshii
First Prime Minister of DR CONGO: Patrice Emery Lumumba
CONGO is not only a "geological scandal" as many like to refer to it for its indescribable, enormous mineral wealth. It is also among those African countries where quality creative artists are found in abundance. Congolese art has also had a great impact on the work of Picasso. Observing from ethnic groups, languages, religions, literature, theatre, sculptures, masks, music and fashion, Congo is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable and exceptional artistic centers that Africa has to offer. Ethnicity and Language
Ethnicity, often called “tribalism”, was introduced in Congo by the colonialists in order to divide the people and prevent the rise of nationalism. Tribalism and regionalism were seen as the major causes of chaos and disruption following independence, and in the mid 1970s the N’sele Manifesto, the magna carta of Mobutu’s party, was created in order to eliminate tribalism from national politics and promote the ideologies of “authenticity”, which aimed at promoting and preserving Congo’s culture. At least 250 distinguishable ethnic groups live in Congo, speaking about 250 languages. Bantu languages are the most dominant and are spoken by 80 % of the population. French is the official language, used in business, legal, political and academic meetings. In addition to French, Congo has also four national languages – Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba, which can be considered as the regional lingua francas. Religions (Spiritualism)
The majority of the Congolese population are Christians, comprising 46-48% Roman Catholics, and 26-28% Protestants. Kimbanguists may represent 16.5%, and Islam has a smaller number of adherents. Congolese traditional rites and beliefs are based on one supreme god with lesser and subordinate gods, or spirits and ancestors. The lesser spiritual beings serve as a link between the living and the dead. Other religions found in Congo include Jamaa and Kitawala. Kimpa Vita (known as the “black Joan-of-Arc), and Kimbangu were among the religious leaders or prophets who developed their own teachings based on Christian principles. They attracted so many followers that they became to be considered a danger by the authorities. Literature
In terms of literature, Congolese writers have achieved recognition beyond national borders, joining the list of world-renowned poets and authors, and making their way into the spotlight. Among these writers are Léonie Abo, Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Kanza, Kama Kamanda, Maguy Rashidi-Kabamba, Amba Bongo, Clémentine Madiya, Faik-Nzuji, Antoine Roger Bolamba, Mutombo-Diba, Mwilambwe, Mushiete, Ghenzhi, Elebe ma Mikanza Mobyem, Diur N’tumb, Yoka Lyé Mudaba, Mutombo Buitshi, Pie Tshibanda, Elikia M’bokolo and many others. Other writers are emerging in the Congolese Diaspora, striving to highlight and expose the horrors and atrocities of a war that has plagued their country for 14 years, claiming the lives of over 6 million Congolese, frightening and pestering the population for control and exploitation of the land and its mineral wealth by multinational corporations, Rwanda and Uganda.
Theater
Theatrical arts are vibrant in the Congo, particularly in Kinshasa where a large number of groups flourished during the 1970s and1980s. Acting groups received major support from schools, universities, religious and social organizations. Many plays are written by local playwrights, but a few plays from international theater are produced as well. “Groupe Salongo” and “Minzoto Wela Wela” were among the most popular aside from the Théâtre National. “Authenticity” is very emphasized in productions, using African storytelling techniques, like “griot” or narrator, dream and fantasy sequences, and singing and dancing to the background of drums and musical instruments. When sponsored by the government or other organizations, the National Theater tour nationally and internationally.
Sculpture and Masks
Congo, like most African countries, is known for its ancient sculptures and masks which can be seen in museums all over the world. The variety of art styles and the abundance of its production make Congo a center of exceptional artistic riches and one of the most remarkable in Black Africa in terms of traditional arts. The influence of Congolese sculpture on modern art and the cubism movement has been well documented. Pottery, basketry, textiles like raffia and wood carving are also part of main handicrafts of Congo. There are at least fifty different styles of sculpture, related to the tribes. They bear the name of the tribe where they were developed and where they were kept. The main ones are Kongo, Teke, Holo, Suku, Pende, Mbala, Ngbandi, Ngbaka, Azande, Mangbetu, Mongo, Mbole, Lengola, Kuba, Luba, Songye, Lega, Bembe, Hemba, Tshokwe. There are many other tribes that produce unique works of equal value. Wood is the most used material, then come ivory, bone, plant fiber, metal: stone. The cowry shells, beads, feathers, animal skins, kaolin and vegetable colors complement and decorate numerous works. It is important to note that traditional art is essentially functional. Many objects that reflect aesthetic is purely utilitarian. Modern art is also finding its mark in Congo, with self-taught and graduates of Fine Art Schools. Painting is another area where Congolese artists excel in, with renowned painters like Chéri Samba, Maludi Solo, Mongita Lokele and many others.
Songye mask
Luba mask
Mangbetu Harp
Teke mask
Congolese statue
Copper Bracelet
Pende mask
Kuba mask
Tshokwe chair
Congolese painting
The Impact of Congolese Masks on Picasso
Picasso came in contact with the work of African artists at around 1905. This new form of art stimulated a great interest in him since it was different from what he was exposed to in the West. He was particularly fascinated with African Masks. After the great discovery he wrote:
"I have experienced my greatest artistic emotions, when I suddenly discovered the sublime beauty of sculptures executed by the anonymous artists from Africa. These passionate and rigorously logical religious works are what the human imagination has produced as most potent and most beautiful..."
At that moment, I realized what painting was all about!
Picasso was above all taken by the elements and principles of design applied on the masks in addition to the emotions that they transmitted. Captured by the power of these new forms, he begins to apply them into the preliminary sketches for Les Desmoiselles d'Avignon, from which originated Modern Art and the Cubist Movement.
The mask worn by the woman in the bottom right corner of Les Demoiselles d’Avignon is based on the Mbuya (sickness) Mask, created by the Pende of the D.R Congo, as revealed by art experts. It is noticeable that Picasso painted an unadulterated reflexion of this mask. All facial distortions and expressions created by the Congolese artist have been retained and faithfully reproduced. Interestingly, facial distortions and emotional expressions are what constitute the quintessential elements in both Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and the Mbuya Mask.
Les Desmoiselles d'Avignon
Pablo Picasso, 1907
Mbuya (sickness) Mask.
Pende, Dem. Rep. of Congo
Music
One of Congo’s greatest contributions to contemporary African culture has been its music, particularly the orchestra music that developed in the 1960s. The first authentic Congolese musicians were troubadors of the 1940s and 1950s, travelling to perform primarily in the more remote provinces. Among the early troubadors were Antoine Wendo Kolosoyi, Tête Rossignol, Paul Kamba, Polidor, Jean-Bosco and Colon gentil. They travelled as soloists but as the music developed, the solo acts became groups, adding African drums and acoustic guitars. Antoine Kasongo, Tekele (believed to be the first female music star), and Odéon Kinois were among the first leaders of groups. Traditional music was given up by younger generations as they were shifting towards new forms and adding more instruments.
The first recordings of Congolese music were made by colonial museums in 1947. At about 1953, Joseph Kabasele, one of the founding fathers, formed the African Jazz Orchestra and made a few records. Luambo Makiadi Franco, the first to begin playing cha-chas, formed the O.K. Jazz Orchestra. The influence of Cuban and Latin music began to be felt in the late 1950s. A number of Latin American records were adapted and recorded by Congolese groups. These included “Kay-Kay”, “Son”, “Tremendo”, “L’Amor” , and “Lolita”. Most composition of songs in this period have Latin rhythms and Congolese lyrics with such classics as “Indépendance Cha-cha” by Tabu Ley Rochéreau to commemorate independence, and “Cha-cha-cha de Amor” by Luambo Franco. “Congo Jazz” is used generally to describe Congolese orchestral music, with Franco, Rochéreau, and Docteur Nico among the most popular musicians. The term “Soukouma” (Lingala for “shake”) had been introduced and gradually became the dominant form of music by the late 1960s. Congolese music has become one of the most popular in Africa by this time. By the late 1970s, as the number of bands had multiplied and the music considerably pluralized, some leaders incorporated disco, jazz, and blues harmonies into their compositions. Others preferred ballads and traditional musical forms. Although many languages were used in the lyrics, Lingala remained the most common. Several were created deriving from the African Jazz and OK Jazz, we can name Grand Zaiko of Manuaku, Viva la Musica of Papa Wemba, Choc Stars of Ben Nyamabo, Victoria Eleison of Emeneya JoKester, Quartier Latin of Koffi Olomide, Empire Bakuba of Pepe Kale, and the group Wenge Musica. This third generation of bands introduced new dances like Cavacha, Griffe Dindon, Caneton, Silauka, Kwassa Kwassa, Ndombolo etc.
Congolese music is most of all dance music, usually favored in large, open-air dance clubs. Kinshasa used to be one of the earliest recording centers in Africa, but economic hardships and shortages of foreign exchange led the industry to decline in the late 1970s, leaving space and opportunities for other African cities like Abidjan and Lagos. Congolese orchestras frequently perform and record in Paris and Brussels. A few better known artists and orchestras manage to tour or record in the Americas, including Werrason, Koffi Olomide, JB Mpiana, Fally Ipupa, Lokua Kanza, Mbilia Bel, just to name a few.
Abeti Masikini, Mbilia Bel, Tshala Muana, M’pongo Love, Yondo Sister, Faya Tess, Barbara Kanam are among the most popular female musicians who are celebrated throughout Africa and internationally.
The absence of a recording industry and a limited market for art has led a few artists to leave the country and settle their music career abroad. Within this group we find popular artists like Papa Wemba, Emeneya JoKester, Fally Ipupa, Awilo Longomba, Kanda Bongoman, Lokua Kanza, Makoma,Chico Mawatu, Alain Makaba,Reddy Amisi and many more.
Undoubtedly, Congolese have music in their blood; and it is one of the arts through which they’ve come to best express their outstanding creativity. The most striking fact is that most Congolese musicians are exclusively self-taught and exceptionally gifted.
Werrason
Fally Ipupa
Lokua Kanza
Tabu Ley Rochéreau & Emeneya JoKester
JB Mpiana
M’pongo Love
Abeti Masikini
Luambo Franco
Koffi Olomide
Tshala Muana
Fashion
Everything about Congolese fashion revolves around the colorful print fabrics called “pagne”. The cloth, made in bolts two yards wide, is usually cut for resale into strips two to six yards in length. A staple of Congolese culture and dress, many prints are given a name. Some are designed and marketed for special purposes, like praising a leader, marking a special event such a summit meeting, soccer tournament, visit by a foreign head-of-state. Traditional aspects of theCongolese fashion have come to blend with influences from European or American fashion culture. This is most visible in urban areas where younger generations try to keep up with the trends.
Culture is everything; it is our way of life, and the most powerful strategy for the survival of any human society. In this era where global cultures are taking currency over the dying or decaying ones, it becomes imperative, not only to adapt to the macrocultures, but also to try to understand and inquire ways in which local cultures could be prevented from being suppressed or extinguished.
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We hope you have learnt interesting facts about Our Beloved Country, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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