The MPR returns with “Keba”: a cry of pain for the Congolese population
The group MPR, acronym for Popular Music of the Revolution, which has always been known for its committed and critical songs towards the Congolese leaders, is back with a new hard-hitting title entitled “Keba” (“attention” in Lingala).
Yuma Dash and Zozo Machine, the group’s emblematic duo, unveiled this song on Saturday November 18, 2023, on the eve of the start of the electoral campaign in the DRC. With hard-hitting lyrics and rap beats, they seek to awaken the population and denounce widespread corruption in the country.
In “Keba”, the MPR highlights the daily problems that the Congolese face and criticizes leaders for their indifference to their suffering. They denounce in particular “corruption which has become a culture in the DRC” and emphasize that “the misfortune of the authorities is to see the people live happily”.
The group does not mince its words and directly addresses its criticism to Congolese parliamentarians: “Don’t you feel the weight of this garment of shame of glory? What you sowed in our hearts still exists.”
The MPR also addresses the situation in eastern DRC, a region facing Rwandan aggression and local armed groups. They describe this region as a “chorus of the war song in the Congo” and point the finger at those responsible for this situation: “The melody of all the dialogues ends on wrong notes… The real problem is the music and the conductors. Who wants to ignore this episode of life?”
For the MPR, the enemy is not only outside the country, but also among Congolese politicians themselves. They denounce the lack of freedom of expression and the disappointment linked to politics: “Freedom of expression is caged. Politics is disappointment… They (politicians) are not cassettes, but they have a B side”. According to them, prison is the only way to free yourself in this country.
“Keba” is therefore a cry of pain from the MPR, a call for the Congolese population to become aware of the problems that persist and the need to make their voice heard in the electoral process.
In search of justice and change, the MPR group continues to play an important role in Congolese society by using music as a means of denunciation and mobilization. Their commitment to the people is palpable through every line of their songs, and “Keba” is no exception.
The song is already widely relayed on social networks and arouses numerous reactions of support and encouragement from the Congolese population. The MPR remains an essential group and a true voice for the aspirations and problems of the Congolese people.