The Francophonie Games in the DRC: an unexpected cultural triumph
The ninth Games of La Francophonie which took place in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, were marked by an exceptional cultural performance from the host country. Despite expectations focused on sporting competitions, it was in cultural competitions that the DRC shone, winning a total of eight medals, surpassing all other participating countries.
Among the medals won by the DRC, three are gold. The first was won in the literature/short story category, with the poignant text by writer Jocelyn Danga entitled “The Night and the Soldier”. A second gold medal was awarded to hip-hop dance, thanks to the exceptional performances of Team Leopard. Finally, the third gold medal was obtained in the giant puppet category, thanks to the company “Les Marionettes du Congo”.
The DRC also won two silver medals. The first was awarded in the digital creation category, thanks to the innovative project by visual artist Paul Malaba. The second silver medal was obtained in the creative dance category, thanks to the company “Les algae”.
Three bronze medals were also won by the DRC. The first in the category of ball juggling or Free style football, thanks to the breathtaking performances of the Fecofree company. The second bronze medal was awarded in the story/storyteller category, thanks to Dan Bosembo. Finally, the last bronze medal was obtained in the painting category, thanks to the works of Mbela Mambueni.
These Francophonie Games have highlighted lesser-known art forms, such as digital creation and ball juggling. They also revealed new talents and gave visibility to Congolese artists in fields often considered archaic, such as storytelling and giant puppets.
Despite this cultural success, it is regrettable to note that the DRC did not win a medal in the song category, an area in which the country is often recognized for its musical talent. Nissi Mbuta, a Congolese singer, unfortunately found herself without a coronation despite her presence in the final.
Beyond these results, the ninth Francophonie Games were a true celebration of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Francophonie. Nearly 40 countries participated in this event, showcasing the cultural and artistic heritage of their respective nations.
The DRC, by winning a total of 34 medals and placing ninth overall, demonstrated its commitment to cultural excellence and offered the world a glimpse of its rich artistic heritage. These Francophonie Games will therefore be remembered as a moment of pride and celebration for the DRC and its many artistic talents.
Emmanuel Kuzamba