Category: Sociocultural

**Juliata Cohen: A Melody for Commitment and Universality**

In the contemporary musical landscape, Juliata Cohen stands out for her authentic approach and plural heritage. Her debut album, *22:22*, transcends simple melodies to become a rallying cry touching on modern social themes. Inspired by an encounter with Cape Verdean poet Mario Lucio, Cohen explores stories of struggle and hope, while paying homage to rich musical traditions, ranging from soul to morna. With a one-take production, she values ​​raw emotion over technical perfection, making each track a space for dialogue. Through this project, she invites listeners to share stories and come together in a message of unity and resilience. *22:22* is not just an album, but a true exploration of cultural connections and societal challenges, uniting voices in a quest for universal understanding.

### The Legacy of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi: A New Model of Holiness and Resistance

The story of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, recently recognized as a martyr by Pope Francis, embodies a bold fight against corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His refusal to submit to injustice by handing over spoiled rice intended for the people of Goma highlights not only his personal heroism, but also the collective struggle for human dignity. In a country where 70% of the population lives on less than $2.15 a day, Kositi’s sacrifice underscores the need for social and economic transformation.

Pope Francis’ redefinition of holiness to include defending the oppressed broadens our understanding of martyrdom. Kositi joins other iconic figures such as Oscar Romero in championing a life of integrity in service to the most vulnerable. As a role model for young Congolese, his legacy should inspire collective action against corruption and promote transparent governance. Kositi’s beatification poses a critical question: How can we reinterpret sainthood to foster social justice in today’s world? His story calls us to honor his memory with concrete actions, to sustainably transform the DRC and beyond.

**Coelho: The Revelation of French Rap Who Awakens Consciences**

In the French musical landscape, Coelho stands out as a new and authentic voice. This rapper from Nantes captivated the public thanks to his charismatic performance in “Nouvelle école”, peaking at number two. His new album, “Un jour sans fin”, produced by the famous Tunisiano, reflects a depth of emotion and reflections on universal themes such as hope and identity. With nearly 2 million streams in one week, Coelho does not limit himself to stories of material success. On the contrary, he offers an introspection that resonates with contemporary youth, making him an urban poet with a promising future. His music, beyond entertainment, transforms into a mirror of the struggles and dreams of a generation, carrying a breath of fresh air within French rap.

**Kinshasa: At the Heart of the Kuluna Phenomenon and its Urban Violence**

In Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a worrying social phenomenon has intensified: the “kulunas”, groups of young people associated with acts of urban violence. Derek Kienge Kienge, professor and researcher, highlights the roots of this phenomenon, anchored in a lack of economic prospects and palpable despair. These young people, often from an informal economy representing 80% of jobs in the DRC, transform themselves into agents of violence to make a place for themselves in a world that marginalizes them.

To combat this cycle of violence, it is essential to draw inspiration from reintegration models observed elsewhere in the world, particularly in Latin America. The CEPEF approach, which advocates the inclusion of kulunas as actors in their reintegration, could open new and constructive avenues. Beyond stigma, a bold vision focused on the realities and potentials of this youth is essential to building a peaceful future. The fight against violence in Kinshasa will depend on our ability to recognize and value this youth in search of dignity and opportunities.

### Engineers of Joyful Passions: A New Social Utopia?

Faced with the crises shaking our world, Dominique Méda, a renowned sociologist, offers a bold vision in her book *A Desirable Society*. She introduces the concept of “engineers of joyful passions”, individuals ready to redefine our interactions, our work and our environment, by focusing on emotional well-being. While 70% of citizens in developed countries say they are unhappy, the need for a return to human values ​​is more pressing than ever.

These engineers, beyond technical skills, will have to design projects that promote collective fulfillment, as demonstrated by pioneering companies that prioritize the well-being of their employees. On a broader scale, this approach could also guide a societal transformation towards sustainable and solidarity-based economic models, strengthening civic engagement and community involvement.

In a clear call to action, Méda invites us to celebrate creativity and emotions as levers for a common, more serene and inclusive future. Let’s celebrate these joyful passions and reinvent together a world that resembles us, where each individual feels like an actor of change.

**The Evolution of Emojis: Symbol of Expression or Harassment Tool?**

In our digital age, emojis have radically transformed the way we communicate, becoming essential elements to express emotions and intentions. However, their evolution raises profound questions, particularly in the professional world. The Selby Mbenenge and Andiswa Mengo case illustrates the dilemmas posed by these pictograms: can they be perceived as friendly gestures or, on the contrary, as acts of coercion? Studies reveal that many women feel uncomfortable with inappropriate behavior, often linked to the use of emojis in hierarchical relationships.

This complexity calls for reflection on the need to regulate their use. As harassment at work is on the rise, it is becoming imperative to educate users on respectful communication and to explore the possibility of clear regulations. Let’s not let these symbols, intended to bring people together, become vectors of misunderstanding and unease. Awareness and thoughtful management of emojis could well be the key to ensuring healthy and respectful interactions.

**New Voices of the Afro-Urban: Innovation and Cultural Identity in 2025**

As we enter 2025, the Afro-urban music scene is experiencing a remarkable boom, driven by a new generation of artists from Chad to Madagascar. Voices like Browning T’s “Asso” capture the essence of Chadian culture while forging connections between generations. Asake and Ludmilla’s collaboration on “Whine” illustrates a vibrant cultural fusion, while Ceasar and Arnaah’s “Tsy Vao Sambany” seamlessly blend Malagasy sounds with universal themes.

The meteoric rise of Chile One, signifying the growing importance of African artists on digital platforms, and Emma’a’s boldness illustrate a commitment to societal values ​​and a quest for personal identity. For his part, Roody Roodboy, with “Nostalji”, evokes intimate emotions that touch the soul.

These artists do not just entertain; they become cultural messengers, weaving a link between their personal stories and contemporary societal issues. In 2025, music appears as a powerful vector of unity and diversity, paving the way towards an artistic future rich in promise.

**Gender-Based Violence: An Urgent Call for Reflection and Action in the DRC**

The tragic incident involving Ms. Régine Musuamba, a victim of police violence in Ngaba, highlights an alarming reality in the Democratic Republic of Congo: nearly 50% of women there experience gender-based violence. Although the Minister of Gender, Léonnie Kandolo Omoyi, has expressed her support, the fight against this violence goes beyond symbolic gestures. It is essential to challenge the institutional structures that allow this culture of violence, which is often trivialized.

Education and awareness-raising appear to be essential levers to prevent these behaviors. Social media, with movements such as #MeToo, also offer a powerful platform to amplify the voices of victims and mobilize the community.

Ultimately, this incident must prompt us to rethink our approach to gender-based violence and demand systematic reforms, aimed at building an environment where every woman can live in safety and dignity. It is not just a question of individual justice, but a collective struggle for the fundamental rights of all Congolese.

**Flu in France: Between Alert and Apathy**

As the flu intensifies this winter, mobilization around vaccination is encountering worrying resistance. Despite growing awareness of health risks, nearly 30% of French people remain reluctant to get vaccinated, often fueled by distrust of the health system and misinformation on social networks. Psychological biases, such as the feeling of optimism that minimizes the severity of the disease, also hinder action. Through an analysis of sociocultural behaviors, it becomes essential to develop awareness campaigns that transcend simple scientific information. Taking the example of countries like Australia, where vaccination is widely accepted, France must reinvent its approach to make vaccination a shared civic act, thus ensuring collective health in the face of the growing threat of influenza.

**AlUla: An Ode to Music and Arab Heritage**

In the heart of the Saudi desert, AlUla is set to vibrate to the rhythm of Arabic music with the exceptional concerts of Majidah AlRoumi and Majid Al Mohandis, scheduled for February 14 and 21. More than just a show, this event celebrates the richness and emotion of musical traditions in an enchanting setting, where the region’s millennia-old history meets contemporary performances.

The Maraya Concert Hall, with its futuristic architecture, will add a fascinating dimension to these evenings, offering unparalleled acoustics. This cultural initiative also represents a major economic opportunity for AlUla, catalyzing tourism and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position on the world stage. With tickets available from the end of January, the event promises to be a unique experience that blends modernity and heritage, promising to leave a lasting impression and shed light on the country’s cultural future.