The third edition of Festiras, a Rap and Slam festival, recently concluded in Bukavu, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The event drew thousands of attendees and was dedicated to promoting peace and showcasing local talent.
For decades, eastern DRC has been plagued by armed conflict, with over 120 groups vying for power, land, and valuable mineral resources. Amid this backdrop of violence, festival organizer Alidor Chibembe emphasized the festival’s commitment to fostering change and empowering the youth. “We’re in the fight for peace and unity, and we hope our message resonates,” he stated.
The festival served as a platform for a variety of local, regional, and international artists to share their messages through music. Notably, Hiro le Coq, a French rapper of Congolese descent, used his performance to advocate for peace in the DRC. He condemned what he referred to as Rwandan aggression and urged Congolese authorities to take responsibility in addressing the ongoing crisis. Kinshasa has accused Kigali of supporting M23 rebels in the region, a claim that Rwanda denies.
“We must continue to speak out against aggression,” Hiro le Coq remarked. “But it’s not enough to just denounce; we must also take action in a way that aligns with our conscience.”
With more than 10,000 attendees, Festiras emerged as a powerful symbol of hope and resistance, uniting individuals through the universal language of music. David Kasi, a festival-goer, expressed the significance of such gatherings, stating, “Events like this remind us of our togetherness and help us overcome the challenging times we face.”
Ultimately, Festiras represents a beacon of hope, calling for peace and demonstrating the transformative power of culture in confronting violence. Through music and art, the festival aims to foster a brighter future for the eastern DRC, emphasizing their role as vital tools in the quest for a more peaceful society.
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