The Francophonie games in Kinshasa continue to be talked about and arouse the enthusiasm of spectators. In this cultural and sporting competition, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has just added a new medal to its list of achievements, by winning the gold medal in the hip-hop dance competition. A victory which was all the more special for the Congolese team, as they had to fight to qualify after a disappointing first performance.
The Congolese team, called Team Léopard, had to go through a second chance granted by the jurors, with 7 other countries. After an intense battle with the other non-qualified countries, the DRC was admitted to join the 7 teams already qualified. The Congolese dancers then competed in 8-minute battles, during the quarter-finals, semi-finals, small final and final.
The jury, composed of members from Burkina Faso, Vietnam, France and Madagascar, evaluated various criteria such as choreography, committed mentality and sensitivity of the dancers to determine the final results. At the end of a close competition, the DRC managed to win the gold medal by beating Senegal in the final.
This gold medal is added to those already won by the DRC in other cultural disciplines, bringing the total to 5 cultural medals, including 2 in gold (literature/short story), 1 in silver (digital creation) and 2 in bronze (juggling with ball and storytelling). Without forgetting the numerous sporting successes already obtained by Congolese athletes during these games.
Hip-hop, as an urban and popular culture, has a special place in society. Born in the 1970s in the United States, it has spread across the world and includes different dance styles such as breaking, locking, house and popping. The DRC’s victory in the hip-hop dance competition testifies to the commitment and talent of Congolese dancers.
The ninth Francophonie games are taking place in Kinshasa until August 6, the date of the closing ceremony. With 9 sporting disciplines and 11 cultural competitions, this event brings together nearly 40 French-speaking countries and highlights the youth and talent of the participants.
The DRC’s gold medal in the hip-hop dance competition is a source of pride for the country and proof of Congolese artistic excellence. By continuing to shine in cultural and sporting competitions, the DRC asserts its place on the international scene and inspires many Congolese artists and athletes.