Category: Sociocultural

** Summary: The tumult in Kisangani: a turning point for education in Congo **

On March 15, 2025, the Institute of Building and Public Works (IBTP) in Kisangani became the scene of explosive tension after the kidnapping of Delphin Luka, its general manager A.I. The suspension of activities by the staff of the establishment revealed growing anger in the face of ambient insecurity and political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a 15 % increase in abductions in 2024, schools, often perceived as learning shelters, are no longer spared. Students, united in their claim for the release of Luka, use this crisis as a lever to denounce the dysfunctions of an educational system in decay. While violence pushes the strike and demonstrations on the campus, the young Congolese emerges as a force of mobilization, advocating a necessary and collective change. This tumult at IBTP could well serve as a catalyst for a deep redefinition of the role of educational institutions, inciting unity and action to build a better future.

### The Paris African Book Fair: lighting up the emerging French -speaking voices

The African Book Fair in Paris has become an unmissable event for French-speaking literature in just four editions. Bringing together nearly 180 authors, this event highlights the often ignored perspectives of African and diasporic writers. By offering a meeting space for cultural exchange, the fair questions the recognition of African literary works in the French landscape.

This year, by particularly highlighting Cameroon and Brazil, the fair underlines the richness of a literature that speaks of survival and identity, while promoting dialogues between different literary cultures. The rise of self-publishing, which represents around 30 % of recent African publications, testifies to a desire to renew traditional narrations.

Despite its success, the fair must intensify its media visibility to highlight the essential contributions of Afro-descendants authors. More than just an event, the Paris African Book Fair is an answer to invisibility and a call to celebrate literary diversity, while emphasizing the crucial importance of supporting these voices to guarantee a rich and inclusive cultural dialogue.

** The South African musical renaissance: a wave of creativity and resilience **

The South African music scene is in full swing, carried by artists like Bongi Mvuyana, Nybosse and Edgar Muzah. Each of them embodies a dynamic fusion between tradition and modernity, offering performances rich in emotion which resonate with the cultural identity of the country.

Bongi Mvuyana, with his latest album *Power *, explores universal themes such as love and resilience, while establishing an authentic connection with its audience. Nybosse, meanwhile, makes his voice heard after years behind the scenes, celebrating love in a musical landscape where authenticity is in search of Renaissance. Finally, Edgar Muzah and his group pay homage to the South African cultural wealth through modern jazz sounds, marking the meeting between heritage and contemporaneity.

These artists are not content to entertain; They bear witness to a shared humanity through music, promising an evolving and promising musical scene. While we are preparing to live these unique moments, it is essential to recognize the power of music to unite people, celebrate diversity and enrich our collective culture.

### “Another Mali in another world”: photography as a mirror of Malian complexity

The exhibition “Another Mali in another world”, presented in Paris, invites a captivating visual exploration of the social and cultural realities of contemporary Mali. Under the direction of photographer Françoise Huguier, this event highlights the work of fourteen Malian photographers, including the iconic Malick Sidibé and Seydou Keita, while integrating contemporary voices which revisit and reinvent the memory of the country.

Through their works, these artists evoke themes as diverse as modernity, the evolution of traditions and the issues linked to human rights, offering a striking contrast with the often conveyed stereotypes. By presenting a nuanced table of Malian society, the exhibition becomes a platform for exchanges and an empathy space, far from the clichés.

More than a simple look at the artistic heritage, this event is part of a global movement which aims to reassess the place of African art on the international scene. By celebrating the richness of Malian culture and promoting emerging talents, “another Mali in another world” encourages us to rethink our perceptions while revealing the resilience and diversity of a mutation nation.

** Climate of tension in Isiro: the assassination of a biker raises a wave of anger **

On March 13, 2024, Isiro, the capital of the Haut-Elele in the DRC, caught up following the assassination of a young biker and the injury of another. This tragic act, revealing a reality of violence and injustice, sparked tumultuous manifestations. Bikers, essential actors in an informal economy already in difficulty, express their exasperation in the face of security forces perceived as violent and corrupt. In the absence of adequate responses, the tension rises between the population and the authorities, while the promises of reforms are welcomed with skepticism. Isiro thus represents the microcosm of a society in search of security, social justice and true dialogue between citizens and police. To regain peace, it is imperative to rethink community relations and improve the living conditions of young people, failing which the spiral of violence risks continuing.

### Resilience and representation: Jamie Foxx at the premiere of “Number One On The Call Sheet”

The first in the documentary series “Number One On The Call Sheet” in Los Angeles was a striking moment for Jamie Foxx and the black community in Hollywood. Foxx, recently released from a difficult medical experience, shared his healing journey, highlighting the fight of artists often subject to overwhelming pressure. The documentary, co-written with Kevin Hart, aims to give a voice to the talents underrepresented in the industry, recalling the importance of an authentic representation and fair opportunities. In a context where diversity is at stake, Foxx embodies the hope and strength necessary to inspire the next generation of artists. The broadcast of this documentary on Apple TV+ on March 28 is already promising as a must-see event, promising to redefine standards and celebrate often forgotten stories.

** Reflection on the assassination of Muhhin Hendricks: beyond homophobic violence **

The assassination of Imam Muhin Hendricks is not limited to indignation in the face of an act of homophobic violence; He raises deep questions about the interaction between identity, faith and manipulated beliefs that feed hatred. This drama highlights systemic violence which is not only manifested by physical assaults, but also by social isolation and stigma within religious communities. The accounts of victims, like that of Zackie Achmat, reveal how exclusion can have devastating repercussions on the mental health of LGBTQI+individuals. To build an inclusive future, it is crucial to redefine faith through a lens of compassion and respect for diversity. Emerging initiatives to offer welcoming prayer spaces, but an open dialogue is essential to break the hatred cycle. The future is based on our ability to listen to and support marginalized voices, because each story of suffering carries the promise of a rebirth.

### “Lam Shamsya”: an emotional reflection on family challenges in the Egyptian context

In a media landscape in full mutation, the dramatic series “Lam Shamsya”, led by Karim Al-Shhennawy and planned for Ramadan 2025, stands out by approaching pressing social issues with an authentic approach. By highlighting family issues, such as abuse and marital tensions, it invites viewers to a necessary reflection on sometimes concealed realities. With a promising scenario of Mariam Naoum and a diversified distribution, the series seeks to reach an increasingly demanding audience.

The trailer has sparked an impulse of emotion and gratitude, testifying to humanity behind creation. While “Lam Shamsya” could offer a space for dialogue on contemporary challenges, it could also crystallize contrasting reactions on social networks, sometimes celebrated, sometimes criticized. In this time when art becomes an awareness vector, the series offers a unique opportunity to tackle themes that resonate within Egyptian families and society. Can it, finally, become the catalyst for a movement of collective reflection and social transformation through narration?

### The fresco “Black Lives Matter”: a symbolic erasure and a fight for the memory

The erasure of the emblematic fresco “Black Lives Matter” in Washington D.C. on March 10 is not just an artistic act, but a revealer of racial and political tensions in the United States. Rooted in the context of the death of George Floyd and the demonstrations that followed, this fresco symbolized a historical struggle for equality and social justice. The decision of its erasure, supported by an economic logic in the face of an imminent crisis, raises questions about the place of racial rights in political priorities.

This gesture of artistic deconstruction questions the role of art as a vector of memory. The fresco was not only a work but a living monument of the struggles of yesterday and today, and its withdrawal could be perceived as an attempt to erase a part of history. While African-American communities continue to face glaring inequalities, the challenge remains to preserve collective memory and to initiate a real dialogue on racial justice. In a world where erasure becomes an option, resilience through art and memory is more crucial than ever to guarantee that the message “The life of blacks counts” remains a living and vibrant reality.

** EMEI KUNG FU GIRLS: The reinvention of martial art in the feminine **

In the heart of the Sichuan mountains, a group of daring women, the Emei Kung Fu Girls, challenges gender stereotypes and revitalizes the Kung-Fu of Emei, a millennial tradition. Co -founded by Duan Ruru, this initiative not only embodies the revival of a long marginalized martial art, but it also raises questions about the role of women in contemporary Chinese society. Thanks to an innovative communication strategy on platforms like Douyin, they affect a young and diversified audience, thus redefining the canons of Kung-Fu. More than a simple sport, this quest for equality contributes to the empowerment of women in China. While the future of the Kung-Fu of Emei will be part of a dialogue between tradition and modernity, these pioneers show the way towards a new generation ready to embrace its roots while defying standards.