Festival Amani | |
---|---|
Status | Active |
Genre | Congolese rumba ndombolo Soukous African music Congolese music World music |
Date(s) | February |
Frequency | Annually |
Location(s) | Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Years active | 2013–present |
Inaugurated | 2013 |
Founder | Éric de Lamotte [1] [2] and Guillaume Baguma [3] |
Attendance | 35000+ |
General Director | Guillaume Bisimwa [4] [5] |
Website | amanifestival |
The Festival Amani is an annual festival that takes place in the context of peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region. [6] [7] Amani is the Swahili word for Peace. [8] [7] [9]
The Festival Amani is held annually in Goma, a town near the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. [10] The festival hosts music, dancer, comedies and other talented artists in Goma. [11] The festival is held annually and lasts for 3 days in February of each year. [12] The festival's name comes from the Swahili word for "peace" [13] and it celebrates that Congolese rumba was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. [14]
The festival is managed by a dedicated team of permanent employees and volunteers, who work throughout the year to ensure its success. [15] They engage in extensive preparation and training, studying other festivals and gaining backstage access to events like the Esperanzah! festival in Belgium. Three months before the festival, a team of volunteer leaders joins them to coordinate the logistical aspects of the event. Then, 600 volunteers come on board to ensure the execution of the three-day celebration. [15]
To promote community engagement and support local talent, various activities are organized leading up to the festival: [15] [16]
Sanaa Weekends: These events, held at the Foyer Culturel de Goma, provide a platform for artistic promotion, featuring singers, dancers, musicians, acrobats, and more performing in front of audiences ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 people every Saturday. [15] [16] Over 200 musical artists and traditional/modern dancers participate, hoping to be selected to perform at the Amani Festival. [15] [16]
Caravanes (street concerts): Organized with selected dancers and musicians, these caravans travel through the city's neighborhoods with selected dancers and musicians, introducing local artists to the population and raising awareness about peace and the festival. [15] [16] Artists engage with the community, spreading joy and promoting cultural values. [15] [16]
Young Entrepreneurs Competition: This competition focuses on business creation projects with a strong social impact for Goma. [15] [16] It is open to all youths in Goma and offers training opportunities and financial support to ten young entrepreneurs. Four of them receive a zero-rate loan of $1,350, a laptop, and support from the "Kivu Entrepreneurs" incubator for six months, aiming to encourage and support youth entrepreneurship. [15] [16]
Projets artistiques: Financed by the Amani Festival and supervised by the Foyer Culturel de Goma, provide financial support to six local musicians with six artistic projects receiving a donation of $500 each. [15] [16] Musicians from Goma, selected by the community and a jury, present their projects and receive coaching and funding for their realization. The progress and impact of projects launched in 2018 are continuously supervised, with success stories of supported youth shared on social media platforms and the festival's website. [15] [16]
Amani FM radio, which broadcasts live on the Amani festival website and on Pôle FM, a local radio station of Pole Institute, played a crucial role in connecting audiences with the essence of the festival. [17] Pole Institute, a non-profit organization engaged in conflict research in the African Great Lakes region, provided a platform for Amani FM to amplify the festival's message of peace and cultural unity. The radio station offered a diverse array of content, including interviews, debates, and production of shows. [17]
Operating across four distinct broadcasts, each program encapsulated different facets of the Amani festival experience: [17]
The idea of organizing an extensive music and dance festival came from the trainers and directors of the Foyer Culturel de Goma whose aspiration was to foster peace, cultural appreciation, and peaceful coexistence within the region. [7] According to Music in Africa, Guillaume Baguma and Éric de Lamotte, who have been meeting regularly in Goma for years, conceived the idea. [18] The festival was dubbed Amani, which means "peace" in Swahili. [7] [19] This idea took shape following the success of the Sanaa weekend, a showcase for promoting up-and-coming talents such as musicians and actors from Goma trained at the center. [7]
Initially inexperienced in organizing a large-scale event that could draw more than 30,000 people, the trainers and youth cohorts decided to take the first step and made it a great success. [7] Supported by the United Nations Volunteers, who offered technical and logistical help, and the United Nations Development Programme, which provided $15,000 for artist transportation, the first edition was organized for 30–31 August and 1 September. [7] [20] [21] [22] However, due to prevailing security concerns in North Kivu, the event was postponed to February 2014, a decision taken in conjunction with local authorities. [20] On 31 August 2013, the scheduled performers, including Lexxus Legal, redirected their talents to a solidarity concert in Kinshasa, hosted at the Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles à Kinshasa, an offshoot of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, administered by Wallonia Brussels International. [7] [23]
The festival's first edition was held from 14–16 February 2014, in Goma at the Kwa Kesho Bora Village. The event was supported by the attendance of 63 local and international non-governmental organizations and 400 volunteers. [24] [7] Notable highlights included a masterclass conducted by Lokua Kanza. [7]
The festival presented a range of internationally recognized artists and native musicians like Lokua Kanza, Lexxus Legal, Innoss'B, Mani Martin, Tonton Lusambo, Fal-J, Jessica Kill, the Matakiyo group, Groupe Folk, Pinochet, Maraben, and Maguru. [7] Martin Kobler, the Special Representative and Head of MONUSCO, lauded the festival as a "soft force which, like water, can move much more than sometimes military force". [25]
The 2015 second edition transpired 13–15 February. [26] It drew an audience of 29,000 festival-goers and saw the participation of 70 local and international NGOs and 500 volunteers at the Kwa Kesho Bora Village. [7]
Notable artists at the event included: Tiken Jah Fakoly, Habib Koité, Bill Clinton Kalonji, Mani Martin, Mayaya, Junior Grigo, Lion Story, Willy Stone, Mista Faba, Grp Kistanga Tusti "Kahé" and many more. [7]
The 2016 third edition commenced on 12 February and finished on 14 February. [27] [28] [29] It garnered the attendance of 11,000 festival-goers and featured a program comprising 30 musical and dance ensembles, mentorship for ten burgeoning entrepreneurs, allocation of four grants, initiation of four enterprises in Goma, sponsorship for six artists to realize their creative endeavors, engagement of 80 innovative and associative organizations within the Kwa Kesho Bora village, facilitation of four artistic workshops, participation of 510 runners in the Ekiden, and mobilization of 400 dedicated volunteers. [7]
Notable artists at the event included: Nneka, Werrason, Ismaël Lô, Joel Sebunjo, Aly Keïta, Zao, Kode, Yvonne Mwale, Mista Poa, Sango'A, Angel Mutoni, JC Kibombo, Keren, New Young, Jazz Music, Intachogora, Black Man Bausi, Innoss'B, Matakiyo, Keyvoices, and Nsango Mbonda. [7] [28] [29]
The fourth edition began on 10 February and wrapped up on 12 February at the Maison Des Jeunes and College Mwanga campuses in Goma. [30] [31] [32] [33] It attracted 34,000 festival-goers and showcased the talents of 23 singers and groups, while providing a platform for 17 traditional and modern dance ensembles and facilitating 70 exhibitors within the associative and entrepreneurial realms. [7] Additionally, the festival awarded 10 grants of $1,000 each to nurture artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors, while fostering camaraderie through a 42 km marathon involving 250 athletes with the aim of creating team spirit and cohesion in businesses. [7]
Notable artists at the event included: Sauti Sol, Jean Goubald Kalala, Yewande Austin, Fabregas Le Métis Noir, Boddhi Satva, DJ Amaroula, Bolivar M'vulu, Franc Issa Le Rossignol, the Life Story Orchestra, Thomas Lusango, Robat King, Magic Pinokio, René Byamungu, Bolivar M'vulu, JKM, Kongoloko, Enrique Makas, Demba, and Mani Martin. [30] [31] [7]
The fifth edition commenced on 9 February and concluded on 11 February at College Mwanga in Goma. [34] [35] Drawing approximately 35,500 attendees, the event featured performances by 30 musical artists, traditional and modern dance groups, and acrobats. It also engaged 730 volunteers representing 18 nationalities. [34] [36] Notable features included ten workshops led by international artists for youth in Goma, 28 entrepreneur stands, and the selection of five homegrown artists from Goma to perform at the festival. Moreover, the fifth edition introduced two entrances to enhance accessibility for festival-goers. [34]
Notable artists at the event included: Ferré Gola, Dub Inc, Jupiter & Okwess, Maurice Kirya, Aganze Premier, Zao, Témé Tan, José Chameleone, BCUC, Yemba Voice, Ira Irene, Anderson Mukwe, Young B, Dj Damas, DJ USX, Dj Color, CED Koncept, Kerim Kaduro, and others. [37] [7] [38]
The 2019 Amani Festival's sixth edition kicked off on 14 February and closed on 17 February at Mwanga College. [39] [40] [41] It drew 36,000 festival-goers and featured 75 entrepreneurial and NGO stands, with 810 volunteers from 13 different nationalities. [7]
It boasted an eclectic lineup of artists: Fally Ipupa, Youssoupha, Baloji, Ruth Tafébé, Lady Jaydee, Alisheur Amouly, Joly Malonga, Nkento Bakaji, Alif Naaba, Mortal Combo, Yvan Buravan, Infrappa, Knowless, Gaël Faye, Dj Spilulu, DJ Alec Lomami, T- Saint Arrow, Kareyce Fotso, Nasfi Power, Life Song, Anick Michael, BCUC, La Monteska, among others. [7]
The 2020 seventh edition began on 14 February and wrapped on 16 February at Mwanga College. [42] [43] [44] Over 36,000 people attended in defiance of an increase in violence in the area. [7] [43] The festival opened with a Congolese interpretation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem. M'bilia Bel was one of the headline performers and she include hits "Mpeve ya Longo" and "Yamba Nga". [45]
Other artists in attendance included: Faada Freddy, Didier Awadi, Professor Jay, Innoss'B, Dobet Gnahoré, Gaz Mawete, Euforquestra, Céline Banza, Serge Cappuccino, UsX & Izoard, Grand Mike Jazz, Alphaz, Honoman, Glomaneka, SLM, Bill Ruzima, Ndaane, Kris Dane, Slam, among others.
The eighth edition was initially planned for 4–6 June 2021. However, due to the state of siege prompted by security concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it was postponed to 4–6 February 2022, [46] [47] [48] in Kituku in the Keshero neighborhood of Goma commune. [49] It attracted a crowd of more than 30,000 festival-goers, along with various UN Agencies and NGOs. [7] Due to Goma's ranking as the second city in the DRC after Kinshasa in terms of COVID-19 cases and deaths, North Kivu expanded the vaccination program at the event to promote vaccination awareness. [50] [51] Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, was present, distributing leaflets to caution people against COVID-19 misinformation on social media. [52] [53]
Notable artists at the event included: W. Malick, Afande Ready, Mohombi, Roga Roga, among others. [49]
As a precautionary measure for security reasons, the ninth edition was hosted in Bukavu at the Athénée d'Ibanda from 10–12 February 2023, while some ancillary events remained in Goma. [54] [55] [56] It attracted a crowd of over 25,000 festival-goers, alongside various UN Agencies, associations, NGOs, and entrepreneurs. [57] Eleven artists from Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, and Senegal participated. More than 1,000 children attended the Young Public Space, with 160 project ideas from young entrepreneurs, three of which were financially supported. [57] Innoss'B headlined the event. Following this, artists like Reddy Amisi and the Tanzanian rapper Nay Wa Mitego performed concerts, followed by performances from other artists. [58]
North Kivu is a province bordering Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The capital city is Goma. Spanning approximately 59,483 square kilometers with a population estimate of 8,147,400 as of 2020, it is bordered by Ituri Province to the north, Tshopo Province to the northwest, Maniema Province to the southwest, and South Kivu Province to the south, as well as Uganda and Rwanda to the east.
Bukavu is a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), lying at the extreme south-western edge of Lake Kivu, west of Cyangugu in Rwanda, and separated from it by the outlet of the Ruzizi River. It is the capital of the South Kivu Province and as of 2012 it had an estimated population of 806,940.
Goma is the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu and shares borders with Bukumu Chiefdom to the north, Rwanda to the east and Masisi Territory to the west. The city lies in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, and is only 13–18 km (8.1–11.2 mi) south of the active volcano Mount Nyiragongo. With an approximate area of 75.72 km2 (29.24 sq mi), the city has an estimated population of nearly 2 million people according to the 2022 census.
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Pascal Lokua Kanza, known professionally as Lokua Kanza, is a Congolese singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, philanthropist, and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his soulful, folksy sound, which is atypical of the dancefloor-friendly African rumba music. He sings in French, Swahili, Lingala, Portuguese, English, and Wolof. He was a member of the coaching panel of the Voice Afrique Francophone from 2016 to 2017.
The Régie de Distribution d'Eau, abbreviated as REGIDESO, is a state-owned utility company located on Boulevard Du 30 Juin, in the Gombe commune of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is responsible for producing and distributing water throughout the national territory, encompassing both urban and rural areas. Established in 1929, REGIDESO operates autonomously under the oversight of the Ministry of Energy and the Portfolio.
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The March 23 Movement, often abbreviated as M23 and also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army, is a Congolese rebel military group. Based in eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it operates mainly in the province of North Kivu, which borders both Uganda and Rwanda. The M23 rebellion of 2012 to 2013 against the DRC government led to the displacement of large numbers of people. On 20 November 2012, M23 took control of Goma, a provincial capital with a population of a million people, but it was requested to evacuate it by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region because the DRC government had finally agreed to negotiate. In late 2012, Congolese troops, along with UN troops, retook control of Goma, and M23 announced a ceasefire and said that it wanted to resume peace talks.
Uvira Territory is a territory in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is bordered by Walungu Territory to the north, Mwenga Territory to the west, Fizi Territory to the south, and Burundi and Lake Tanganyika to the east. Its capital is Uvira.
Goma is a commune of the city of Goma in the North Kivu Province of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It encompasses the southernmost sector of the city, extending from the principal main road towards the shores of Lake Kivu. As per a 2018 estimate, the commune had approximately 333,727 residents.
Innocent Didace Balume, known professionally as Innoss'B, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, rapper, percussionist, dancer, and philanthropist. Often referred to as the "Jeune Leader", he is renowned for pioneering the AfroCongo music genre, an eclectic fusion of Congolese rumba, indigenous folklore, and ndombolo.
The following is a timeline of the history of the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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The Bwito Chiefdom is a chiefdom located in the Rutshuru Territory of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is bordered to the north by Batangi Chiefdom and Kanyabayonga commune in Lubero Territory, Bwisha Chiefdom in the east, and to the north-east by Lake Edward and the Republic of Uganda. To the west, it is bordered by Bashali Chiefdom in Masisi Territory, and to the northwest by Wanyanga Chiefdom in Walikale Territory. To the south, it is bordered by Nyiragongo Territory.
The Free University of the Great Lakes Countries, is a private Christian educational institution located in Goma, in the North Kivu Province of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. ULPGL was founded in 1985, as a result of the Institut Supérieur de Théologie Protestante and was granted university status by the government in 1991. It is sponsored by six Protestant denominations, including two Baptists, two Pentecostals, one Anglican (EAC), and one Methodist (CLMC).
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The Bashali Chiefdom is a chiefdom located in the Masisi Territory of North Kivu Province in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Topographically, it is bounded to the east by the Virunga National Park, to the north by the Bwito Chiefdom of Rutshuru Territory, to the northwest by Walikale Territory, to the south by the Bahunde Chiefdom, and to the west by the Osso sector. Encompassing a total area of 1,582 square kilometers, the chiefdom is the administrative and sociopolitical structure for the Hunde ethnic group and is administratively subdivided into two groupements: Bashali-Mokoto and Bashali-Kaembe. Kitchanga, the urban center and administrative capital of the Bashali-Mokoto groupement, is the most densely populated locality within the chiefdom.
The Foyer Culturel de Goma, colloquially referred to by its acronym FCG, is a cultural center and art school located in Goma, North Kivu, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It serves as a regional key institution for promoting arts as a driving force for peace, reconciliation, and social change in the African Great Lakes region.