Author: Mboka Ndinga

Brazzaville’s literary evening of remembrance The air inside the modest auditorium of the French Institute in Brazzaville thickened with incense and expectancy as Malachie Cyrille Roson Ngouloubi—better known to local audiences as “Écrivain Sacré”—took the lectern. Before a gathering of diplomats, university deans and representatives of the Ministry of Culture, he unfurled his new poem, Elégie lunaire pour Valentin Mudimbé. The reading, scheduled barely two months after the renowned philosopher’s passing in New York on 22 April, was less a literary event than a rite: an instance of collective mourning for a Congolese voice that had become, in Mudimbé’s own…

A Historic Celebration by the Djoué On June 21st, the renowned Conquering Lions took center stage by the picturesque Djoué River in Brazzaville, delivering an unforgettable concert as part of the global Fête de la Musique. The venue, framed by the stunning waterfalls, provided a dramatic backdrop that enriched the musical experience, drawing an impressive gathering of devoted fans. A Journey Through Musical Time Hailing from Pointe-Noire, Conquering Lions has consistently enthralled audiences with their commanding presence and innovative reggae style. This concert was no different; it marked a moment where nostalgia and contemporary sounds intertwined seamlessly. Their repertoire included…

A Diplomatic Endeavor to Rescue a Nation’s Memory In a concerted effort to safeguard invaluable historical documents, a bilateral mission consisting of experts from both Congo and Switzerland convenes in Pointe-Noire, Congo’s economic epicenter. This collaboration is spearheaded by Brice Isinove Owabira, Director of the National Archives and Documentation Centre, and Professor Alexander Keese, a historian from the University of Geneva. The mission is a continuation of expeditions undertaken in 2017 and 2024, which were instrumental in preserving over 25,000 documents of Middle Congo from severe degradation. Chronicles of the Past: 1960 to 2000 The undertaking focuses on the archives…

A Celebration of Cultural Heritage In the spirit of World Music Day on June 21, the Kouilou Regional Committee of Traditional Ensembles (Cretk) orchestrated a vibrant musical event at the cultural hub, Le Mbongui, located in the Tchimbambouka district of Pointe-Noire. This celebration resonated with the rich sounds of traditional music and drew enthusiasts and cultural leaders alike, cementing the importance of music as a unifying force. Among the distinguished attendees were Aurelien Kaya, socio-cultural advisor to the Ngoyo municipal authority; Frédéric Pambou, honorary president of the Loango Civilization Study Center; and Régine Goma, coordinator of local civil organizations. The…

A Star in the Beninese Media Horizon Raïssa Gbédji’s passing marks the end of an era in Beninese media, but her contributions ensure her legacy endures. Born with a talent for communication, her journey in journalism began at Golfe FM, where her voice became synonymous with integrity and storytelling excellence. Her evolution from a secretary to a respected voice at key stations, notably RFI in Cotonou, underscores a career defined by determination and professional rigor. Gbédji is remembered fondly for her natural authority and leadership, attributes that set a high standard for Beninese journalism. Melody of Journalism and Music Raïssa…

Understanding the Cultural Landscape The Republic of Congo, not to be confused with its neighbor the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a nation marked by a rich and complex cultural landscape. It holds a distinctive position in Central Africa with a culture deeply embedded in respect for social hierarchy and elders. This societal structure is a cornerstone of Congolese life, where deference to status is held in high regard above frankness and directness. Such cultural attributes are foundational, reflecting the broader ethos of harmony and respect that permeate various aspects of daily life. Family Dynamics and Roles In Congolese…

Aston’s Manifesto: Waste As Art In the vibrant cultural landscape of Benin, contemporary artist Aston, born Serge Mikpon, presents ‘Sources,’ a penetrating exhibition that invites audiences to confront societal issues through unconventional materials. Displayed at Le Centre, a prominent cultural space, Aston’s work transcends mere aesthetics and challenges viewers to reassess their daily habits and collective responsibilities. Utilizing discarded capsules, cigarette butts, and rusted padlocks, Aston crafts artworks that offer stark reflections on the human condition. His technique propels spectators into a dialogue with their environment, urging a re-evaluation of the overlooked aspects of daily life. Community Engagement and Artistic…

An Unprecedented Gathering for Congolese Artists In a pioneering event from June 18 to 21, 2025, the Union Syndicale des Artistes Congolais (USAC) under the adept leadership of Bongo Phopheta hosted a workshop of notable significance at the Jean-Baptiste Taty Loutard Cultural Centre in Pointe-Noire. This event, described as unprecedented by experienced observers of Congolese music, convened artists, musicians, managers, and young creators. It centered around vital themes for the professional advancement of the Congolese music industry, providing a unique platform for discourse and learning. Music as a Catalyst for Societal Sensitization Beyond its creative dimension, music stands as a…

A New Chapter in Cultural Cooperation In an emblematic gesture of cultural diplomacy, a promising partnership has been announced between the Pierre-Savorgnan-de-Brazza Memorial in Congo and the Independence Museum of Namibia. This announcement was made by Lauria Nguelet, the Congolese Ambassador to Namibia, to Bélinda Ayessa, the director of the memorial. This collaboration is envisaged as a pivotal step towards enhancing the visibility of Congolese culture in Namibia, and further affirms the memorial’s growing international allure. Bridges Built Through Mutual Interests The intention behind this partnership is not merely ceremonial; it is driven by the earnest desire to exchange cultural…

UNESCO’s Creative Tribute to Moroccan Textiles Recently, UNESCO unveiled ‘Matières à rêver’, a captivating exploration of Morocco’s textile, clothing, and leather sectors. This release, celebrated at UNESCO’s Office for the Maghreb in Rabat, transcends a mere documentary. With seventy original photographs, the book offers an immersive gaze into a sector that is a cornerstone of Morocco’s dynamic economy. According to UNESCO, the work addresses contemporary challenges, emphasizing aspects such as sustainability, innovation, and social inclusivity. Navigating the Modern Challenges In an age of accelerating change characterized by digital advancements, ecological transitions, and the emergence of fast fashion, ‘Matières à rêver’…