Brazzaville, the Congolese capital, enthusiastically welcomed the seventh edition of the “Mboté Hip-Hop” urban music festival. Organized by the French Institute of Congo (IFC), this event brought together artists from both Congolese and Ivory Coast.
The esplanade of the French Institute of Congo was transformed into a lively scene, lit by impressive light shows. The Street art Congo group offered a captivating show, dressed in black and in front of an audience mainly made up of young people. Among the members of the group, Sonick expresses his pride in participating in this unique event: “In Congo, we do not often have the opportunity to participate in major competitions or dance events, so it is an honor for us to ‘be present at Mboté Hip-Hop’.
Rap star Bak-Dan also took advantage of this scene to convey a strong message through his music. Sporting a T-shirt reading “Rap saves”, he encourages fans to give up bad habits, singing: “If you listen to my music, you will feel an inner power that will push you to stop smoking hemp. I saved you.”
In the crowd, Ashanti, her eyes glued to her phone, lets herself be carried away by the rhythm and the animations. She explains: “I came to see the Congolese sing. It’s always a pleasure to see our compatriots show their talent. It creates a special sensation.”
The Mboté Hip-Hop festival is an event dedicated to budding artists, offering a platform for expression and exchange. Organizers and artists have already set a date for the eighth edition next year.
This festival highlights the richness of the Congolese music scene and offers an opportunity for young artists to get noticed. It also encourages fans to listen closely to song lyrics and think about important topics like health and lifestyle choices.
Hip-hop music is more than just entertainment, it also carries a message of awareness and change. The Mboté Hip-Hop festival demonstrates the positive influence of urban culture and its role in Congolese society.