When people hear about Congo, they think about exploitation and political instability, but Congo is far more than its struggles. The Congo consists of deep traditions, high-spirited art, and affluent folklore that have made the country stand tall despite the challenges. Without joy, no country could still exist; it is the heart of Congo. Joy is an essential part of the stories told in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is present in the food and artistic expressions.
The Stories of Congo:
The oral storytelling genre has been the pillar of Congolese culture. These stories have been passed down to teach wisdom, history, and moral lessons. One of the stories that teach these lessons is The Leopard and the Crocodile,” a classical story about the consequences of misrepresenting the truth and having keen intelligence. In this tale, the Leopard is known for its speed & intelligence, and the Crocodile is patient and strategic. This story teaches the balance of power through land versus water and intelligence versus physical strength. Like many other folktales, this story focuses on the importance of wisdom, patience, and understanding of strengths and weaknesses.
The Taste of Congo:
Many dishes are popular in Congo. Fufu is a dish from boiled and smashed cassava across not only the Congo, but throughout Africa at large. Fufu’s historical context partially came from the Portuguese in the 16th century when they traded cassava from South America to Africa. Despite the effects of colonialism, fufu has remained a symbol of community for the Congolese and has survived through many generations. Cassava root thrived in the climate and quickly became a stable food, surviving European colonization as well. Pondu is another dish created that symbolizes resilience and adaptation. It is cooked with palm oil, onions, garlic, fish, or meat and served with fufu. Moambe chicken can be found in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is the national dish of Angola and Gabon. The stew from the moambe chicken is made up of chicken, peanut butter, palm oil, garlic, tomato sauce, and spices.
Art, Dance, and Expression:
The Congo’s influence has been undeniable because it is the birthplace of Rumba, Soukous, and Ndombolo. Rumba originated from traditional Congolese rhythms blended with Cuban Rumba, which was brought back to the Congo in the early 20th century. The bands that popularized the dance were OK Jazz (Franco), African Jazz (Grand Kalle), and Zaiko Langa Langa. The sound consists of melodic guitar interplay, smooth vocals, and a steady rhythm. The dance style is slow and elegant; sometimes, it is done with a partner.
In conclusion, the Congo contributes to the world through a positive lens and is an absolute source of joy. Within activism, we should strive to advocate for the rights and humanity of the Congo.
Written by: Victoria Webb