Kinshasa, September 3, 2024 – The announcement of the imminent exhibition of a sculpture dedicated to Mama Muilu, an emblematic figure of resilience during the colonial era, was recently made at Léopoldville Square in Belgium. This exhibition is part of the project entitled “Mama Muilu, visible woman, inspiring woman”, led by the artist Jonathan Kankumbiya and his team.
The sculpture, featuring Mama Muilu embedded in the map of Africa, is presented as a tribute to this important figure of the Kimbanguist movement and Congolese colonial history. Its upcoming exhibition at Léopoldville Square, where a commemorative plaque in honor of Mama Muilu has been installed by the authorities of the commune of Etterbeek, promises to be a significant event.
This project, entitled “Mama Muilu, visible woman, inspiring woman”, was submitted by the ASBL Tokanisa Mboka of Belgium as part of the call for projects “To us the history”, initiated by the Belgian Secretary of State for Equal Opportunities. It aims to highlight the role and impact of Mama Muilu in Congolese and African history, thus offering international recognition to this figure of courage and determination.
In preparation for this important exhibition, the cultural operator Pitshou Matouasilua and the artist Jonathan Kankumbiya presented the project “Mama Muilu, visible woman, inspiring woman” to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage of the DRC, Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo. This initiative aims to promote the cultural heritage of the DRC and to promote the international visibility of the country through the figure of Mama Muilu.
Marie Muilu Kiawanga Nzitani, wife of the prophet Simon Kimbangu and leader of the Kimbanguist religious movement, is a prominent figure in Congolese history. Her role as a guide for the movement in the absence of her husband who was sentenced to death was crucial to its sustainability and impact.
The Enterprise for the Development of Culture, Arts and Heritage (EMIVACS) and the structure “Pensons Bercail” recently declared Mama Muilu “Exceptional African Woman” at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Belgium, highlighting her importance in African history and culture.
By honoring the memory and legacy of Mama Muilu through this exhibition and project, artist Jonathan Kankumbiya and his team are helping to highlight an important figure in Congolese history and give her the recognition she deserves. This cultural initiative aims to honor the past while inspiring current and future generations with Mama Muilu’s courage and determination.