Title: Promoting the culture of peace through Gospel in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently going through an electoral period marked by numerous challenges. Faced with security instability and conflicts, certain Gospel artists have decided to mobilize to promote peace through music. It is with this in mind that the Festival “100 voices for peace, Gospel Mass Choir for Peace” is being organized, which will be held next October in Goma, in the province of North Kivu. With the aim of attracting nearly 20,000 festival-goers, this event will be a celebration of peace and a call for non-violence. In this article, we will explore the preparations for this event and discuss the impact of Gospel in promoting the culture of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Development :
Preparations for the “100 Voices for Peace” Festival are underway and are involving many actors. Ludovic Kalengay, coordinator of the Multisectoral Popularization and Awareness Program (PMVS), explains to us that the main objective of this event is to raise awareness among populations about the culture of peace and non-violence. He underlines the importance of the commitment of Gospel artists in this process, because their music conveys messages of love, hope and reconciliation.
Marlon Mateta, Deputy Manager of the Festival, adds that Gospel is a musical genre that has a profound impact in Congolese society. He explains that Gospel music is imbued with spirituality and has the power to soothe spirits, bring people together and spread a message of peace. He considers that the Festival will be a unique opportunity to bring together thousands of people around this same aspiration: the creation of a peaceful and harmonious society.
Mrs. Annifa Vahavi, President of Divine Gracia and member of the Festival organizing team, highlights the role of Gospel artists as spokespersons for peace. She explains that through their songs and performances, they transmit positive and inspiring messages that encourage the pacification of minds and the building of a better future. She also insists that peace should not be seen as a simple absence of conflict, but as a state of balance, justice and mutual respect.
Conclusion :
The “100 voices for peace, Gospel Mass Choir for Peace” Festival represents a major event in the promotion of the culture of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By mobilizing Gospel artists and bringing together thousands of festival-goers, this event aims to raise awareness of the importance of peace and non-violence. Gospel music, conveying messages of love, hope and reconciliation, plays an essential role in this process.. By encouraging the pacification of minds and spreading a message of peace, Gospel artists become real agents of change and contribute to the construction of a peaceful and harmonious society.