In a bustling city like Kinshasa, daily life is a real open-air spectacle. Between traffic jams, football matches, torrential rain and the excitement of demonstrations, the inhabitants of the Congolese capital do not know routine. They adapt, get by, fight with determination to survive and hope for a better future.
This culture of resourcefulness, often associated with “article 15”, is a tangible reality for many Kinshasa residents. Whether they are politicians, pastors, traders or ordinary citizens, everyone is involved in a form of “Coop” to face everyday challenges. This dynamic inspired a unique artistic project, combining fictional journalism and street theater, creating an immersive experience for the public.
The project, initiated by Blaise Musaka and Aurélien Gamboni, took the form of fake newspaper posters, evoking current affairs and Congolese personalities. These posters, placed in public spaces in Kinshasa and Mbanza-Ngungu, gave life to an unexpected theatrical performance, where passers-by found themselves involuntarily actors in an artistic production.
Under the direction of director Michael Disanka and Christiana Tabaro, the art collective orchestrated this performance, captivating spectators with characters like the silent installer, the eccentric madwoman and the provocative onlooker. In a mixture of absurd and realism, music and debate, the street was transformed into a living theater, questioning the political nature of Congolese society.
Through this urban staging, actors such as Joel Vuningoma, Chouchou Yoka and Kady Mavakala brought to life colorful characters, reflecting the diversity and complexity of life in Kinshasa. The performance continued to evolve over time, adapting to current events and the concerns of the country, offering a critical and poetic look at Congolese reality.
This fusion between art, journalism and street theater illustrates the capacity of art to raise questions, provoke emotions and engage the public in collective reflection. Through these “fake” newspapers and these unusual characters, the art collective has succeeded in creating a unique space of expression, inviting everyone to participate, reflect and be moved in the lively streets of Kinshasa.