Abstract
Discover the powerful voice of Congolese rap and its impact on the country's political landscape. This research explores how artists like MPR and Bob Elvis are using their music as a form of social critique, challenging the status quo and pushing for change in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With songs that tackle corruption, economic inequality, and political repression, these musicians are sparking a national conversation and inspiring a new generation of activists. Learn how the Congolese music scene is becoming a platform for legitimate demands and a catalyst for social change."
Extract
[...] It is therefore in the context of this story of political mobilization that the two reports follow their filiation. However, if the two MPR rappers insist on defying the call to vote, it is mainly due to the enormity of the problems to be solved for the material organization of the elections. These are the size of the territory, the knowledge of the number of voters and the security of these elections. Let's start with the geographical factor. The DRC has 2,345,409 km2 with very mediocre or rudimentary communication infrastructure110. [...]
[...] Governments and other institutions censor art for various reasons, including : To protect public order or morality. In this regard, a government can censor art that it considers offensive or disturbing to the public. To promote a political or ideological agenda. In this context, a government can censor art that is critical of the government or that promotes ideas that the government considers dangerous. To protect the interests of an elite or a powerful group. In this case, the government can censor art that promotes social justice or the rights of marginalized groups. [...]
[...] I'm no longer just an artist, I've become the symbol of the struggle in music. When people think of committed music, they think of me, and I feel that it's a noble responsibility that doesn't leave me much room to sing about everything129. His responsibility towards his truth discourse and his commitment almost cost him dearly as in 2018, he was kidnapped for a few days and was released with the help of the UN. But that did not stop him from continuing his militancy. [...]
[...] However, in fact, the majority of the population is denied basic rights, such as food, education, and health. As we mentioned earlier, the dictatorship of the Mobutu regime and the wars have completely ruined the economy of the DRC. In the second-largest state in Africa in terms of area, there are hardly any paved roads, water and electricity supply is insufficient. In a large part of the country, basic care in the fields of health and education is only used by churches, non-governmental organizations, and to maintain international cooperation for development. [...]
[...] It is also a matter of better exploiting the potential of young people since nearly half of the Congolese population is under 15 years old. Since Tshisekedi took office, the first important steps of reform have been recorded. With international support, his government has presented, among other things, reform programs for the security sector, justice, administration, and the trade of raw materials. However, extremely weak government institutions, the pursuit of personal interests by different political camps, and corruption hinder the effective implementation of reform projects, according to international institutions such as the World Bank45. [...]
