Title: “End of the race: the new collection of caricatures by Thembo Muhindo Kashauri, a satirical look at Congolese news”
Introduction :
The launch of the new collection of caricatures entitled “Fin de course” by Congolese artist Thembo Muhindo Kashauri, alias KASH, recently took place at the National Museum of the DRC. In this article, we will explore this collection and its impact as a tool for political criticism and entertainment.
1. A dive into Congolese political news
“End of race” brings together Kash’s political drawings, tackling themes such as the death of Étienne Tshisekedi, insecurity in the East and the reign of Joseph Kabila. Through his line, the artist denounces the abuses and weaknesses of political actors, thus offering a satirical perspective on Congolese news.
2. The power of caricature as a political weapon
KASH uses caricature as a political weapon to express the dissatisfaction of a suffering people. His drawings reflect the anxieties, worries and discouragements of the author, while denouncing the dehumanization of the Congolese. “End of race” thus becomes an intentional communicative tool, making it possible to highlight the events which marked Congolese political history between 2012 and 2018.
3. A captivating narrative and visual structure
The collection “Fin de course” is divided into several chapters, offering a coherent narrative structure. Each drawing is accompanied by denotative and connotative analysis, allowing the reader to delve into the heart of the political satire. The use of laughter and humor in the caricatures echoes a journalistic tradition, thus transforming the work into a historical account of facts and events.
4. Thembo Muhindo Kashauri: a reference in the DRC and Africa
KASH is recognized as the first cartoonist to caricature the ruling class of the former Zaire with a certain freedom of creation and expression. In addition to his career as a cartoonist, he is also a talented comic book illustrator. In his 30-year career, he has received numerous awards both in the DRC and abroad, and has exhibited his works across Africa and the world.
Conclusion :
“End of race” by Thembo Muhindo Kashauri offers a satirical and hard-hitting look at current Congolese politics. Through his drawings, the artist denounces the abuses, weaknesses and dehumanization of political actors, while offering a critical vision of Congolese society. This collection demonstrates the importance of caricature as a political and artistic tool, reminding us that humor can be a powerful weapon for denouncing injustices and provoking reflection.