### Capoeira in Kibera: between cultural resilience and social stake
In the vibrant streets of Kibera, one of the most disadvantaged districts of Nairobi, the leading pace of the Atabaque resonates, accompanied by the melodious sound of the Berimbau. This scene, far from being banal, symbolizes the emergence of a form of resistance and cultural expression through the practice of Capoeira, a martial art of Afro-Brazilian origin. This phenomenon deserves special attention, not only for its artistic aspect, but also because of its social and educational implications.
The history of Capoeira dates back to its roots in Angola and in Congo, where it was developed by slaves seeking to assert their identity in the face of oppression tests. Salim Rollins, known as Mestre Salim, is at the head of Capoeira Angola Center in Kibera, where he embodies this tradition while adapting it to the local context. By testifying to the origins of this martial art, he underlines that this is a form of resistance, a way for ethnic groups to claim their dignity.
For young people like Nasri Babu, capoeira becomes more than just physical training; It turns into a therapeutic space. The challenges of everyday life in an environment such as Kibera, often marked by tensions and a lack of opportunities, seem to find an echo in this practice that combines movement, music and camaraderie. The discipline acquired through Capoeira plays a key role in the development of personal skills, allowing participants to improve their awareness of issues such as self -defense and stress management.
This approach is also part of a particular historical context. Capoeira, having long been repressed in Brazil, has evolved to become a recognized form of culture and identity. The UNESCO Declaration in 2014, recognizing Capoeira Circle as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, testifies to its importance not only in Brazil, but also in new communities that adopt it, as in Kibera. This status values capoeira as a symbol of unity and resilience of Afro-descendant communities around the world.
However, it is essential to take into account the challenges that this practice faces. The vitality of the capoeira to Kibera is based on the ability of its actors to transmit this heritage while sailing in an ocean of complex social realities. Kibera’s youth, while being attracted by this means of expression, also has to face economic and social constraints that can hinder their continuous commitment. The longevity of such initiatives depends on effective supports, whether through public policies, financing programs or partnerships with local and international organizations.
By analyzing these elements, Capoeira appears as an opportunity for commitment to youth wishing to assert themselves and structure itself. What place for martial arts and cultural practices in the education of young people in similar contexts? How can communities better support initiatives like those of Capoeira Angola Center, so that they are not simply temporary shelters, but catalysts of sustainable change and empowerment?
Ultimately, the practice of Capoeira in Kibera is not limited to a dance show or a simple training. It represents a creative and collective response to adversity, while anchoring its members in a rich and powerful historical account. Faced with persistent challenges, this pushes us to reflect on the means of enhancing this living heritage, and to support the aspirations of a youth which, through the movement, seeks to rewrite its history.