**Fatshimetrie**: An unprecedented literary concert in Kinshasa celebrating Congolese culture and elegance
Kinshasa, September 10, 2024 – In a vibrant tribute to cultural diversity and Congolese elegance, a literary concert entitled ”Kin la Rumba, Kin la sape” is set to enchant spectators at the Cultural Center ”Ndako ya la vie belle” in the commune of Kalamu in Kinshasa. Inspired by the poems of the author Élodie Ngalaka, this innovative project promises an artistic evening rich in emotions and discoveries.
The technical director of the Compagnie Théâtre de Marconte (CTM), S. Konde, stressed the importance of highlighting the deep relationship between Congolese music, particularly rumba, and the art of sape. This concept reflects the very essence of Kinshasa’s cultural identity and aims to celebrate local artists who have contributed to the flourishing of these musical traditions.
The initiative ‘‘Kin la Rumba, Kin la sape’’ is also an act of recognition towards the Congolese sapueurs, often misunderstood and stigmatized in the past. By highlighting their elegance and refinement, the concert aims to change perceptions and value their contribution as intellectuals and style icons.
Élodie Ngalaka, the inspiring author of the collection of poems ‘‘Ngalaka la Belgicaine, la vie n’est pas une poésie tranquille’’, said she was delighted to see her literary work serve as the basis for this unique show. She hopes that this collaboration will open new doors to her poetry and allow a wider audience to discover and appreciate her writings.
In short, ‘Kin la Rumba, Kin la sape’ embodies the creative spirit and cultural richness of Kinshasa, offering spectators an immersive and inspiring artistic experience. This literary concert promises to leave a lasting impression and provoke reflections on the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Democratic Republic of Congo, both on the national and international stages.
In these times of globalization and cultural standardization, events such as ‘Kin la Rumba, Kin la sape’ are living testimonies of the uniqueness and creativity of local cultures, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the richness and diversity of Congolese artistic expressions.